Bus operator challenges Tamil Nadu’s ‘Vettri Payanam’ no-fare travel scheme in Madras High Court
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Mains·
Social welfare vs. private sector viability: a GS2 case study on constitutional validity and level playing field.
Why in news
A private bus operator filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court challenging the constitutional validity of Tamil Nadu's 'Vettri Payanam' scheme, which provides free travel for women and transwomen.
Background
The 'Vettri Payanam' scheme offers no-fare travel for 84.32 lakh women and transwomen across 12,695 government buses in Tamil Nadu. The state government allocates ₹6,000 crore annually to compensate State transport corporations for the scheme.
Facts for Prelims
- SchemeVettri Payanam: A Tamil Nadu government scheme providing free travel for women and transwomen.
- FactThe scheme covers 12,695 government buses in Tamil Nadu.
- FactThe state government allocates ₹6,000 crore annually for compensation under the scheme.
- PlaceThe writ petition was filed in the Madras High Court by a bus operator from Erode district.
Prelims practice question
What is the annual fiscal allocation by the Tamil Nadu government to compensate transport corporations for the Vettri Payanam scheme?
- (a)₹10,000 crore
- (b)₹4,000 crore
- (c)₹6,000 crore
- (d)₹8,000 crore
Show answer
Answer: (c) ₹6,000 crore — The state government allocates ₹6,000 crore annually to compensate State transport corporations for the scheme.
For Mains
Q. Critically examine the impact of state-sponsored free travel schemes for women on the viability of private transport and the principle of a level playing field.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Economic viability: Potential for heavy losses and business closures among private transporters due to skewed competition.
- Constitutional validity: Conflict between social welfare objectives and the principle of ensuring a level playing field for private entities.
- Fiscal burden: Analysis of the ₹6,000 crore annual expenditure versus the socio-economic benefits for 84.32 lakh beneficiaries.
Keywords: Constitutional validity · Level playing field · Social welfare · Public-private competition · Fiscal expenditure
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