In a significant move towards empowering women and enhancing their independence, the Karnataka state government launched the Shakti Scheme Karnataka 2024. This innovative scheme allows all female citizens of Karnataka to travel for free in local buses, eliminating the need for ticket payments and making public transport accessible for all women across the state. The program, introduced on June 23, 2023, by the newly elected Congress government, reflects their commitment to supporting women’s mobility, reducing their financial burden, and encouraging more women to use public transport. By providing unrestricted travel, the government aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of female residents, boosting their participation in social, economic, and cultural activities.
Since its introduction, the Shakti Scheme has garnered immense popularity, with an impressive number of women utilizing this facility to travel across the state. The initiative not only eases the financial constraints associated with daily commuting but also fosters a safer, more inclusive travel environment for women. As one of the Congress government’s guarantee schemes, it has quickly become a notable success, facilitating travel for women from all walks of life and encouraging greater mobility without economic concerns. Here’s everything you need to know about this transformative initiative, from eligibility and features to the scheme’s remarkable impact on Karnataka.
Overview of Shakti Scheme Karnataka 2024
The Shakti Scheme Karnataka 2024 is a pioneering initiative launched to support female citizens of Karnataka by providing free travel facilities in local buses. The Congress-led government introduced this scheme to enhance women’s mobility and economic independence by removing the financial barrier of daily commute expenses. All female citizens of Karnataka, regardless of their age, income, or background, can travel for free under this scheme, making public transport more accessible and safe for them.
No Plans to Alter Shakti Scheme
As of recent updates, the Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has clarified that there are no intentions to revise or discontinue the Shakti Scheme. This assurance has come as a relief to the millions of female beneficiaries across Karnataka, who rely on this scheme for cost-free daily travel. The scheme has been a tremendous success, with female citizens benefiting from over 229 crore free trips, which, in ticket terms, amount to approximately INR 5,500 crore. It underscores the government’s commitment to making travel accessible and affordable for women across the state.
The Shakti program will continue, offering free bus travel for women.
This initiative has been in place for the last 1.5 years, and we are committed to continuing it for another 8.5 years, as we will come back to power. Since its launch in 2023, women have been traveling on our… pic.twitter.com/mSO4gybQON
— Ramalinga Reddy (@RLR_BTM) October 31, 2024
Objectives of the Shakti Scheme Karnataka
The primary aim of the Shakti Scheme Karnataka is to uplift the social and economic status of female citizens in Karnataka by allowing them to travel freely in local buses. This scheme enables women to be less dependent on others for transportation, helping them save significantly on daily commuting expenses. By easing travel costs, the Karnataka government encourages women to engage more in economic activities, social interactions, and personal development without any travel limitations.
Key Features of the Shakti Scheme
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Free Travel for Women | The scheme allows women to travel freely in local buses across Karnataka without paying any ticket cost. |
| No Age or Income Limit | All female citizens, regardless of age or income level, can avail themselves of the benefits of the Shakti Scheme. |
| Massive Financial Relief | As of now, women have saved INR 5,500 crore in travel expenses through this initiative, highlighting its widespread impact. |
| Guaranteed Scheme | Part of the Congress party’s pre-election guarantees, this scheme ensures that women can travel without financial concerns. |
| High Ridership | Since its launch, women have traveled approximately 229 crore times under this scheme, reflecting its widespread acceptance and popularity. |
| Expansion in Bus Fleet | To meet the rising demand, the government has added 5,676 new buses to ensure all female passengers can benefit from the scheme. |
| Participating Corporations | The scheme includes buses operated by KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, ensuring coverage across various regions of Karnataka. |
| No Application Needed | The scheme automatically includes all female residents, meaning no paperwork or application process is required. |
Eligibility Criteria for the Shakti Scheme
To qualify for the Shakti Scheme Karnataka 2024, a beneficiary must meet the following requirement:
- Be a female resident of Karnataka.
Required Documents
To access free travel benefits, women should carry an Aadhar card as identification, verifying their residency within Karnataka. No other documents or formal applications are necessary, making the scheme accessible and straightforward.
Benefits of the Shakti Scheme
The Shakti Scheme offers numerous benefits to female citizens in Karnataka:
- Cost Savings: Women save on travel expenses, allowing more disposable income for other personal or family needs.
- Empowerment: Free travel facilities encourage women to commute independently and participate more actively in various societal activities.
- Improved Social Status: This scheme promotes equality by allowing women unrestricted mobility, which can contribute to improved social and economic conditions for women.
- Inclusive Access: Since the scheme applies to all female citizens, it supports women from all economic backgrounds, especially aiding those who are financially disadvantaged.
How to Access Free Travel Benefits under the Shakti Scheme
Female residents of Karnataka can enjoy free travel benefits in local buses without any registration or application process. Simply boarding a participating bus and showing the Aadhar card for identity verification is sufficient to avail of this benefit. This user-friendly approach ensures that every eligible woman can freely use the service without any procedural hassles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which state introduced the Shakti Scheme?
The Shakti Scheme was launched by the Karnataka state government.
2. Who is eligible for the Shakti Scheme?
All female citizens of Karnataka state are eligible to enjoy free bus travel under the scheme.
3. When was the Shakti Scheme first introduced?
The scheme was officially launched on June 23, 2023.
How to Easily Cancel Your Gruha Jyothi Scheme Application in 2024
The Shakti Scheme Karnataka 2024 is a remarkable step towards gender equality and empowerment, providing women with much-needed travel freedom. Through this initiative, the Karnataka government aims to create a more inclusive and accessible public transport system, helping female citizens move around safely and freely.
