Free Bus Ride For Women From June 11, But Conditions Apply

The Karnataka government has issued orders for the implementation of the 'Shakti' scheme, which allows women to avail free travel in state-run buses, starting from June 11. However, the scheme comes with certain conditions, including the reservation of 50 percent of seats for men.

The provision of free rides for women in government buses was one of the key promises made by the Congress party in its election manifesto. They had pledged that these promises would be put into effect as soon as they came to power in the state.

As per the order, the beneficiaries of the 'Shakti' scheme must be residents of Karnataka. In addition to women, transgenders are also eligible to benefit from the scheme. However, the scheme only applies to travel within the state and does not cover inter-state buses.

Luxury buses such as Rajahamsa, Non-AC sleeper, Vajra, Vayu Vajra, Airavat, Airavat Club Class, Airavat Gold Class, Ambari, Ambari Dream Class, Ambari Utsav Fly Bus, and EV Power Plus have been excluded from the scheme.

The government has specified that the benefits of the scheme can be availed in buses operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

In the remaining three state road transport corporations-KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC-50 percent of the seats will be reserved for men, apart from the BMTC.

The order also mentions that the reimbursement to road transport corporations will be based on the actual distance traveled by women passengers. Over the next three months, women can apply for the Shakti Smart Card through the 'Seva Sindhu' government portal. Until the Shakti Smart Cards are issued, beneficiaries can use identity cards issued either by the central or state government.

The implementation of the 'Shakti' scheme is aimed at promoting gender equality and providing women with easier access to public transportation. The government's initiative to ensure free travel for women within the state is expected to have a positive impact on women's mobility and overall empowerment.