ANNFSU issues warning to public transport operators

KATHMANDU: All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU) has issued a warning to public transport operators over complaints regarding the lack of discounts on public transport during weekends, nights, public holidays, and other special occasions.

In a statement released on Wednesday, ANNFSU expressed concern over operators not providing the discount benefits provided by the government.

The union emphasized the need for transport authorities, including the Department of Transport Management and Traffic Police, to monitor and take action regarding whether students, persons with disabilities, injured freedom fighters, and senior citizens are receiving the discount on public transport.

The statement also reminded public transport operators of past struggles under the leadership of late ANNFSU president Ravindra Adhikari, when students fought for a 50% discount on public transport based on student IDs. The union recalled that many students had to protest on the streets, and during the course of the movement, Syangja’s Devi Paudel lost her life due to state oppression.

Dharmaraj Timilsina, member of the ANNFSU central committee and Kathmandu district in-charge, reaffirmed that ANERASWU would continue to monitor and take legal action against irresponsible transport operators.

In 2002, an agreement was reached between the government, transport operators, and student organizations to provide a 33% discount on public transport fares based on student ID cards.

Following continuous student protests led by late Ravindra Adhikari, the government decided in 2008 to increase the student discount to 45%.

Timilsina reminded transport operators of this agreement and urged them to ensure that discounts are provided as per the regulations, without limiting them to specific routes, quotas, days, or times.

Students and other eligible individuals are requested to present their valid identification to avail of the discount.

Furthermore, Timilsina stated that it is the state’s responsibility to preserve these benefits by creating a formal procedure for student discounts on public transport.