Shakti Scheme Launched: Document Women Need To Carry For Free Bus Rides In Karnataka

The women in Karnataka can travel in government buses for free from Sunday in Karnataka as the government launched the 'Shakti' scheme.

After formally launching the scheme, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and other dignitaries travelled in a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus along with a few select women passengers from Vidhana Soudha to the bus terminal at Majestic. They even issued zero-value tickets to women passengers.

This scheme will benefit over 41.9 lakh women passengers, every day. This will cost the state exchequer Rs 4,051.56 crore annually, PTI reported citing officials.

A traveller named Sumitra, who was among the women who received the smart card from Siddaramaiah, said. "Very happy that I received the smart card from the CM. The scheme will help women, especially poor and middle class. It will help us as we can use the amount that was used for bus charges for some other household needs."

A female bus conductor said she never expected that a day would come when ladies would travel for free in government buses during her service period. "I'm very happy as a woman as this scheme will help the community..." The government has asked the Road Transport Corporations to reserve 50 per cent of the seats on their buses for men.

Who Can Travel?
The scheme is available for women and students, who are domiciled in Karnataka, for the journey within the state limits.

How To Get Benefit from the Scheme?
Women should apply for the Shakti Smart Card by registering on the 'Seva Sindhu' government portal to avail the benefit of the scheme. Until smart cards are issued, free bus travel can be availed by producing a valid photo identity card issued by the Government of India, the Government of Karnataka or government-owned offices, and getting a 'zero value ticket', officials said.

Can Women Travel In Any Govt Bus?
People can travel in the BMTC, ordinary and express buses which accounts for 18,609 buses in all four state-owned Road Transport Corporations (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC). "Free travel for women" stickers have been put up on buses which are included in the scheme. However, it has to be noted that inter-state buses are not covered in the scheme.

Also, if a passenger has to cross the state border while travelling from one district to another district of Karnataka in RTC buses, they won't be charged, but this exemption is limited to up to 20 kilometres.