Bhubaneswar: The activists of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) protested outside the Regional Transport Office (RTO) here Thursday, demanding free travel on government buses and a 50 per cent concession on private transport for all students across Odisha.
The demonstration was led by NSUI state president Udit Pradhan and several other activists and party leaders, including state Youth Congress president Ranjit Patra, Manoj Biswal and others.
The activists carried placards and banners, raising slogans to support their demands.
They later submitted a memorandum to the RTO official urging prompt action.
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Pradhan stated, “In many areas where government transport is limited or absent, students depend on private buses that often charge high fares.
Offering subsidised or free transport would improve access to education and help reduce student dropout rates significantly.”
Pradhan added, “Affordable transportation is not merely a matter of convenience; it is essential to ensuring equal access to education.
The state must act promptly to implement these measures in support of student welfare.” NSUI has urged the Transport department to address their demands promptly and warned that the protest will intensify if the issues are not resolved.
PNN
