The Karnataka government has reaffirmed its commitment to the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which offers free bus travel for all women in the state. This confirmation follows remarks from Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who suggested that some women have expressed a willingness to help cover the costs of their bus rides.
On Thursday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the government has not received any formal proposals to modify the ‘Shakti’ scheme. He noted that Shivakumar’s comments stemmed from feedback gathered from a small group of women who may prefer to contribute to their travel expenses.
Siddaramaiah’s remarks addressed questions regarding Shivakumar’s earlier statement, where the Deputy Chief Minister indicated that many women had reached out to him via social media and email, expressing their desire to pay for their tickets. While appreciative of the scheme, these women felt they should share in the cost.
Shivakumar’s comments ignited discussions about potentially revising the scheme, with some suggesting an option for women to choose paid travel. However, Siddaramaiah’s clear stance indicates there are no current plans to alter the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which remains a key component of the Congress government’s social welfare initiatives.
Launched on June 11, 2023, the ‘Shakti’ scheme is one of five guarantee initiatives introduced by the Congress government upon taking office. Since its launch, it has garnered significant support, providing over 311 crore free rides to women across Karnataka. As of October 18, 2024, the scheme’s cost has reached ₹7,507.35 crore, underscoring its substantial financial implications. The continuation of the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women by improving access to public transportation.
