The Karnataka government has reaffirmed its commitment to the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which provides free bus travel for all women residing in the state. This comes in the wake of statements from Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar suggesting that some women have expressed a desire to contribute to the cost of their bus rides.
Speaking on Thursday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the government has not received any formal proposal to revisit the ‘Shakti’ scheme. He emphasized that Shivakumar’s comments were based on feedback from a small section of women who may have expressed a preference to pay for their travel.
Siddaramaiah’s comments came in response to questions regarding Shivakumar’s earlier statement. The Deputy Chief Minister had claimed that numerous women had contacted him via social media and email, indicating their willingness to pay for their bus tickets. He stated that a significant number of women, while appreciative of the scheme, felt that they should contribute to the cost of their rides.
Shivakumar’s remarks sparked a discussion about the potential for revising the scheme, with some suggesting that a system allowing women to opt for paid travel could be implemented. However, Siddaramaiah’s clear statement indicates that the government has no immediate plans to alter the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which remains a cornerstone of the Congress government’s social welfare initiatives.
The ‘Shakti’ scheme, launched on June 11, 2023, is one of the five guarantee schemes implemented by the Congress government upon assuming office. Since its inception, the scheme has witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 311 crore free rides provided to women across the state. The scheme’s cost has reached ₹7,507.35 crore as of October 18, 2024, highlighting its significant financial impact. The scheme’s continuation reflects the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women through enhanced mobility and access to public transportation.
