RAMESWARAM: A controversy has surfaced in Rameswaram over conductors allegedly collecting ticket fares from women pilgrims visiting from northern states on government town buses.
Tamil Nadu operates the “Magalir Vidiyal Payanam” scheme, under which women can travel free on government town buses. Many pilgrims arriving at the Rameswaram bus stand use these buses to reach the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
However, women devotees from northern states said they were issued tickets after paying fares. When questioned, conductors reportedly told them the free travel benefit applies only to women from Tamil Nadu.
Senthil, city secretary of the Indian Communist Party in Rameswaram, said the practice was painful and questioned why the benefit should not apply to these women pilgrims. He said he has submitted a petition to senior officials seeking action.
Rameswaram government transport branch manager Arivarasan said he had joined duty only two days ago and was unaware of earlier practices, but has now instructed staff that fares should not be collected from women.
