The Karnataka government’s ‘Shakti’ scheme, launched on June 11, 2023, aims to empower women and transgender individuals by providing free bus travel within the state. This initiative is part of the Congress party’s five guarantees and seeks to enhance mobility, reduce financial burdens, and promote gender equity.
Key Features of the Shakti Scheme
Eligibility and Coverage:
- Available to women and transgender persons who are domiciled in Karnataka.
- Applies to non-luxury, state-run buses operated by:
- Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
- Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)
- North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC)
- Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC)
Bus Services Included:
- Ordinary, express, and city buses within Karnataka.
- Services such as Nagara Sarige, Gramantara Sarige, Karnataka Sarige, and others
Exclusions:
- Luxury buses, including Rajahamsa, Airavat, Ambari, and similar services.
- Interstate bus services, even if the journey is within Karnataka.
Reservation Policy:
- In KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC buses, 50% of seats are reserved for men.
- This reservation does not apply to BMTC buses.
Implementation and Access
Initial Phase:
- For the first three months, beneficiaries could avail free travel by presenting a government-issued photo ID with address proof.
- Conductors issued zero-fare tickets during this period.
Shakti Smart Cards:
- Post the initial phase, beneficiaries are required to obtain a Shakti smart card.
- Applications can be submitted through the Seva Sindhu portal.
- Until the smart card is issued, valid ID proofs like Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Driving License can be used.
Impact and Reach
Ridership:
- Since its inception, the scheme has facilitated over 458 crore free bus trips for women, indicating its widespread acceptance and utility.
Economic Implications:
- The state government has reimbursed approximately ₹8,815 crore to transport corporations to cover the costs associated with the scheme.
Social Benefits:
- Enhanced access to education, employment, and healthcare for women and transgender individuals.
- Boosted local economies, especially in pilgrimage and tourist destinations, due to increased
Challenges and Considerations
Financial Strain:
- The substantial reimbursement amount has raised concerns about the long-term financial sustainability of the scheme.
Operational Issues:
- Delays in issuing smart cards have led to reliance on alternative ID proofs, causing occasional inconveniences.
Policy Debates:
- Discussions have emerged regarding the possibility of revisiting or modifying the scheme to ensure fiscal responsibility while maintaining its benefits.
Conclusion
The Shakti scheme represents a significant step towards promoting gender equality and social inclusion in Karnataka. By facilitating free bus travel for women and transgender individuals, the government has addressed mobility challenges and empowered a substantial segment of the population. While the scheme has achieved commendable success, continuous evaluation and adaptive strategies will be essential to sustain its positive impact in the long run