The UDF government’s decision to steeply hike the KSRTC online pass renewal fee for students from ₹10 to ₹110 has triggered widespread criticism and protests across Kerala. This eleven-fold increase is being heavily condemned as an unjust burden on ordinary students who do not have an independent income of their own.

Critics and student organizations have pointed out the hypocrisy in the government’s policies, highlighting that while free travel is being offered to women—including those earning high salaries of up to ₹2 lakh—the government is exploiting students by raising their minimal concession charges. This sudden fee hike was implemented without any prior warning, leading to allegations that the move is intended to benefit private transport operators.

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In response to this decision, student groups including the SFI have launched strong protests, demanding an immediate withdrawal of the fee hike. SFI state leadership has warned of intense state-wide agitations if the government fails to roll back the decision. Meanwhile, the government and KSRTC officials have remained silent, refusing to offer any official justification for the steep price hike.