T’puram: The state govt has granted special permission to use MLAs’ asset development fund to purchase buses for KSRTC, aimed at modernising its fleet and improving public transport services.Under the assembly constituency asset development scheme, each MLA can fund the purchase of up to three buses. The finance department has issued an order laying down the conditions for the scheme.The number of seats and fuel type of the buses will be decided in consultation with the KSRTC chairman and managing director. Priority will be given to the travel requirements of passengers in the constituencies where the buses are allocated.The KSRTC CMD has been directed to provide MLAs, by Wednesday, with details of the total cost of the buses, including taxes and registration charges, to facilitate allocation of funds.Public representatives interested in purchasing buses under the scheme must submit proposals to the respective district collectors by Oct 15, specifying the allocation of their constituency’s fund. Once fund availability is confirmed, the district collectors must accord administrative sanction within seven days of receiving the proposal, with the KSRTC CMD designated as the implementing officer.The routes and services of the buses will be decided in consultation with the respective MLAs.The corporation can deploy the buses on any service, including ordinary and fast passenger services. KSRTC will bear the entire operational expenditure, including fuel, staff salaries, maintenance and other running costs.
