Shakti Scheme Karnataka: Free Bus for Ladies in Karnataka

On June 11, 2023, the Karnataka Congress administration unveiled the "Shakti Scheme," its main program. In its 'poll manifesto' for the Karnataka assembly elections in 2023, the Congress party pledged five guarantee schemes, including this one. This program is a component of the party's pledge to provide free intrastate transportation services to women, including "female students," who reside in all Karnataka states. Women in the age group of "6-12 years" and "transgender people" from all Karnataka residences are also beneficiaries of the program. In the state, the beneficiaries are entitled to free transportation on all non-luxury buses. 'Within-state travel distance' is not limited under the system.

To avail the benefits of the scheme, the beneficiaries need to provide proof that they are Karnataka state residents. They need to buy their 'Shakti smart card' by applying through the Seva Sindhu portal. Till the time they get the cards, they can produce any of the valid identification proofs, such as the 'Aadhar card' and get 'zero-cost' bus tickets in any of the buses of KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation), BMTC (Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation), NKRTC (North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation) and KKRTC (Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation).

Characteristics of Shakti Scheme Karnataka You Must Know

The following features mark this scheme: 

• The scheme permits women to travel free of cost on government-run buses within Karnataka.
• This is applicable only on the non-premium services such as Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), and other state-run buses.
• Beneficiaries are issued Shakti Smart Cards for smooth access to the free travel facility.
• Women can apply for this card online or offline, depending on the available services in their locality.
• The scheme does not extend to the premium buses like Airavat, Volvo, and luxury services.
• Private buses and inter-state travel are also not part of this project.

Tabulated below are some major highlights of the scheme: 

‘Shakti’ Women Travelers since 11th of June till 1st of August 2023

Between June 11 and August 1, 2023, the innovative Shakti scheme of Karnataka made an impressive 30.78 crore women travelers travel free on bus services of different state-running corporations. Let's see how it was:

1. KSRTC: Welcomed 9.43 crore women onboard, with tickets valued at ₹272.72 crore, while ₹47.15 crore was reimbursed.
2. BMTC: Facilitated travel for 10.04 crore women, equivalent to ₹128.66 crore in ticket value, with ₹21.85 crore disbursed as reimbursement.
3. NWKRTC: Supported 7.19 crore women, generating a ticket value of ₹180.93 crore, with ₹32.58 crore released.
4. KKRTC: Enabled 4.11 crore women to travel, with tickets worth ₹137.55 crore, while ₹23.90 crore was reimbursed.

Altogether, it accounted for a whopping value of tickets amounting to ₹719.88 crore, with ₹125.48 crore reimbursed, that reflects its perfect penetration and success within less than two months. On an average, 55.7 lakh women are travelling daily after launching the scheme. It is said that a low wage worker can conserve up to 100 rupees a day by availing free bus service. This scheme is bound to benefit low wage workers like poura kaarmikas, domestic helpers, garment workers and contract or temporary workers of various industries. The ‘Gruhalakshmi’ scheme acts as a supportive measure in strengthening women’s mobility in public spaces in Karnataka.

Objectives of the Scheme With Supported Data

The aims and goals are bulleted below:

• The two main objectives of the scheme are to increase the shrinking women workforce and to strengthen 
  Public transport system in Karnataka. 
• Great numbers of women were seen in bus stations, travelling to religious places after the implementation of the scheme. 
• The day after its launch, 2.09 lakh women traveled in buses. 
• On the second day 2.33 lakh women traveled in public transport system. 
• The average load of 60-70 percent neared 100% in Mysuru division itself. The load may have been the the result was early excitement amongst masses. But, it posed some serious pressure on the bus services.

Who are Eligible for the Benefits?

To get covered under Shakti Scheme, applicants need to be eligible for the scheme. The scheme is exclusively for women and transgender people who are a resident of Karnataka, and a proof, either in an Aadhaar card or ration card, is required for residence. There is no age limit set, ensuring all the passengers whether children, students, or elderly, are included and get the benefits of the scheme.

How to Apply for Shakti Smart Card

The following steps can be followed to apply:

1. Visit the Seva Sindhu Portal from www.sevasindhuservices.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Log in or sign up if you are a new user.
3. Click on "Apply for Shakti Smart Card" and fill up the application form with correct details.
4. The application will be submitted, and after verification, the Shakti Smart Card will be issued within about three months.
5. Wait for the card and carry a government-issued ID like Aadhaar card, Driving License or Passport with address proof from Karnataka.
6. After three months, the free bus travel facility can only be availed through the Shakti Smart Card.

How does the Scheme Benefit and Impact Women Empowerment?

The following facts are important to analyze: 

• Savings in transport cuts improve allocation of funds toward education, health and family needs of people.
• Promotes social mobility. It improves access to employment opportunities, education, and other key services for residents. Empowers rural women into better use of employment, education, and services.
• Reduces automobile dependence increases public transport use. Further, carbon emissions will go down with reduced dependence on automobiles.
• Increased Bus passengers indicates the scheme's success and popularity.
• Enhances access to opportunities for women from economically weaker sections, improving their quality of life.
• Promotes public transit, reducing traffic and contributing to smoother commutes.
• Creates a safer and more inclusive travel environment for women across Karnataka.