The Shakti Scheme has been introduced in the state of Karnataka, offering a range of benefits to women. Under this initiative, women in Karnataka can travel in government buses free of charge.
However, certain conditions apply, such as reserving 50% of the seats for men and eligibility limited to Karnataka residents.
To avail of this scheme, women must apply for a Shakti Smart Card within three months through the Seva Sindhu portal.
Karnataka Shakti Yojana 2023: Key Details
The government scheme enables women, as well as transgender individuals, to travel for free in government buses within the state.
However, free travel outside the state is not covered by the scheme. State road transport corporations like KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC have reserved 50% of their seats for men.
Until the issuance of the Shakti Smart Card, residents can use identity proof issued by the central or state government.
Benefits of Shakti Yojana: Empowering Women
The Karnataka government’s Shakti Yojana introduces free travel for women in KSRTC and BMTC state-run buses.
During the program’s launch, government officials provided free passes to women, allowing them to ride KSRTC and BMTC buses at no cost.
This initiative benefits over 41.8 lakh women passengers, providing them with convenient and affordable transportation options.
Each day, more than 41.8 lakh women avail themselves of this service, highlighting its popularity and positive impact.
While the scheme has increased the financial burden on the state, it plays a crucial role in empowering women and facilitating their mobility.