Karnataka CM Launches Shakti Scheme, Know All About Free Bus Travel For Women, Transgenders
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar launched the free travel scheme for women in state-run buses under 'Shakti Yojana' from Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar launched the free travel scheme for women in KSRTC and BMTC state-run buses under 'Shakti Yojana' on Sunday from the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy was among others present at the event, where the logo of the Shakti scheme was unveiled and Shakti smart cards were symbolically given to five women. Before inaugurating the scheme, Shivakumar said that his party and his government would implement all five promises that were made during the recently held state assembly elections.
Bengaluru | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah & Dy CM DK Shivakumar inaugurate free travel scheme for women in KSRTC & BMTC Bus under 'Shakti Yojana' pic.twitter.com/AAg7QA9sJS
— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2023
During the launch of the scheme, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar also distributed some free passes to women for free travel in KSRTC & BMTC Bus under 'Shakti Yojana'
#WATCH | Bengaluru | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah & Dy CM DK Shivakumar distribute free passes to women during the launch of free travel for women in KSRTC & BMTC Bus under 'Shakti Yojana' pic.twitter.com/83g0wVKXE2
— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2023
But what is Shakti Yojana and what it means for the women in Karnataka? Here is all you need to know:
What Is The Shakti Yojana
Under the Shakti Yojana, women in Karnataka can travel for free on government-run buses in the state from this Sunday (June 11). This is one of the first five poll guarantees of the ruling Congress party that was rolled out today.
This free travel service will benefit over 41.8 lakh women passengers every day. The scheme will cost the state exchequer an estimated Rs 4,051.56 crore annually, said officials, as reported by news agency PTI.
Who Can Avail Benefits Of This Scheme
The scheme is available for all women, who are domiciled in the state of Karnataka. And it started on Sunday for the journey within the State limits after 1 PM.
Notably, the Shakti scheme applies only to the ordinary state-run bus services of Karnataka. Airavat, Airavat Club Class, Airavat Gold Class, Ambari, Ambari Dream Class, Ambari Utsav, Fly Bus, Vayu Vajra, Vajra, Non-AC Sleeper, Rajahamsa and EV Power Plus AC buses are excluded under the scheme.
Meanwhile, the scheme is also not applicable to those buses, which travel outside the state.
Apart from this, 50 percent of seats on KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC’s ordinary and express buses will be reserved for men.
Interestingly, the free bus services under this scheme are also available for the transgender community in the state.
Transgender Community Can Avail Benefits Of Shakti Yojana
As mentioned earlier, people from the transgender community can also avail the benefits of the scheme. Officials said gender minorities are also included in the scheme.
According to officials, all women, including girl students, without any discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, and caste, can avail the benefits of the facility.
How Women Can Get Shakti Smart Card
Women can apply for the Shakti Smart Card by registering on the ‘Seva Sindhu’ government portal. The Chief Minister has already directed all district in-charge ministers to launch the scheme in their respective districts. Even the legislators were asked to launch it in their constituencies.
Women can avail the benefits of the free travel service in city transport, ordinary and express buses. There are a total of 18,609 buses in all four state-owned Road Transport Corporations such as KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC from where women can enjoy befits of the scheme.
According to PTI, until smart cards are issued, free bus travel can be availed by producing a valid photo identity card issued by the Government of India, Government of Karnataka, or Government-owned offices, and getting a zero-value ticket.
Why Karnataka Government Introduced This Scheme
The Government of Karnataka said this scheme will help in reducing the travel expenses of working women from the poor and lower middle class. The aim is to help women in saving money, which can be used for household expenses.
This is the first of the five guarantees announced by the Congress ahead of the assembly elections.
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