The launch of the Shakti scheme took place outside the Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy heading the event. The Congress leaders actively participated in the launch and issued token smart cards to beneficiaries. Between 1 pm and midnight, 5,71,023 women passengers benefited from the scheme, resulting in a total cost of Rs 1.40 crore covered by the government. These figures are expected to rise further as the transport department stated.
The impact of the Shakti scheme was captured in a viral image that caught the attention of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The photograph depicted a 70-year-old woman, Ningavva Shiggadi, bowing down in gratitude as she boarded a bus. Ningavva, filled with joy, expressed her gratitude for the initiative, saying,
“Prior to this, I had to take permission and money from my children to travel to other places. But now, with free bus rides, I do not have to depend on them anymore. This has really made me happy.”
The implementation of the scheme increased the annual expenses of various transport corporations. Here is the estimated loss.
- Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) – Rs 1,563.60 crore
- Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) – Rs 770.16 crore
- North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) – Rs 906.84 crore
- Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) – Rs 810.96 crore
Overall the total expenditure goes upto Rs 4,051.56 crore.
The Shakti scheme stands as a significant milestone in Karnataka’s efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity. By eliminating financial barriers to transportation, it empowers women and transgender individuals to pursue their aspirations and enjoy seamless mobility across the state.
