Mohammad Arfat Wani
In Jammu and Kashmir, distance is not just measured in kilometers, but in the opportunities students lose while trying to reach their classrooms. For many young people, the real struggle of education begins not inside the classroom, but on the road that leads to it.
Across the Union Territory, from Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal to Srinagar, Budgam, and Baramulla, and from Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Shopian to Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch, the situation is almost the same. Students travel long distances every day under difficult and uncertain conditions just to continue their education.
In many villages, regular bus services are either limited or completely unavailable. Students depend on sumo vehicles and auto-rickshaws to reach schools and colleges. These are often the only available options, but they are expensive. Daily fares keep increasing, and over time, this becomes a serious burden on families.
Also, the recent 18% increase in bus fares has made things harder for students and common people. Prices are already high, and people do not earn much. For students who travel every day, this increase is a big problem. It adds extra cost again and again.
People hoped the government would help students, but this increase has made life more difficult. Poor and middle-class families are affected the most. Many students are already struggling, and now it has become even harder for them to continue their studies.
If this continues, some students may be forced to leave their education, not because they are weak, but because they cannot afford the cost. This will harm not only them, but also the future of society.
For a child of a labourer or a low-income household, this situation becomes extremely difficult. How can a daily wage worker manage transport costs every day? Along with this, there are college fees, books, uniforms, and other expenses. When all these costs come together, education becomes a financial struggle rather than a basic right.
It is common to see students travelling in overcrowded vehicles, standing for long hours, or returning home completely exhausted. This affects their concentration, attendance, and performance. In some cases, students are forced to leave their studies, not because they lack ability, but because they cannot afford the cost of reaching their institution.
Various initiatives of free public transport have been launched across different cities and regions in India, primarily targeting women commuters. Delhi initiated its initiative for free transport services in 2019. Other states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka too followed the same. Although they have been beneficial in several ways, they have been questioned regarding high costs and overcrowding of vehicles.
But the case of Jammu & Kashmir stands out to be totally different. The mode of public transportation has not yet developed much and relies completely upon the Jammu & Kashmir Road Transport Corporation and the private sector. There are various problems associated with the public transportation system.
In most places, even government buses do not run on schedule. As a case in point, some of the bus routes have been suspended recently, resulting in great discomfort for students and commuters.
At the same time, the transport system itself is under pressure. Reports show that a significant number of buses, including electric buses, remain non-operational due to maintenance costs and staff shortages, which further reduces availability of services.
Because of these realities, any free bus travel policy in Jammu and Kashmir must be carefully designed. It cannot simply copy other states. It must consider limited resources, weak infrastructure, and growing demand.
The most important question is simple: who needs this support the most? In my opinion, the answer is clear. Students, both male and female, should be given priority.
Students are non-earning members. They rely on their families which, in many cases, find it difficult to fulfill their basic needs. The additional burden of transport fare makes it hard for them and adversely impacts their studies. Students tend to skip lectures, become demotivated, and some might even abandon their studies.
Giving free bus travel to students can help to directly address this issue. Free transportation can help to reduce family burdens and increase attendance. No student will have to abandon his or her studies due to lack of finances. This can be done by using school/college ID card or travel pass. Even implementation can be done in a phased manner starting with remote areas.
On the other hand, granting free bus service to all women regardless of their economic conditions might not be the most appropriate thing to do at the present juncture. Today, many women are working women who earn a living. Most of them can afford to pay for their transport needs. Of course, help should be extended to economically backward women but this can put pressure on public resources.
There is also the issue of overcrowding. Public transport is already under strain. Without increasing the number of buses, a large-scale free travel scheme could worsen congestion and reduce service quality for everyone.
In conclusion, the government has to strike the right balance. Every student in Jammu and Kashmir should receive free public transportation services, but there should also be assistance provided to the needy students. This is because, in circumstances where the student is faced with an option to pay for his or her transport or continue with education, what we will have witnessed is not only a battle of personal interest, but rather a waste of future potential for Jammu and Kashmir.
(Mohammad Arfat Wani is a writer, social activist, and medical student from Kuchmulla, Tral. He writes on social issues, culture, and public concerns with the aim of raising awareness and inspiring positive change. Email: [email protected])
