The Karnataka government on Sunday launched the ‘Shakti Yojane,’ the scheme that provides free bus travel for women across Karnataka. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiahand deputy CM DK Shivakumar inaugurated the scheme at Bengaluru’s Vidhana Soudha and called it a move for women empowerment in the southern state. It was Congress’ one of the five poll promises before the assembly elections.
The travel in ordinary buses will be free for all women in Karnataka, starting from 1 pm on Sunday. Speaking to the reporters, Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy said, “Our priority is to make travel convenient for women across Karnataka. We will also increase bus services in those routes where shortage is observed. All women across Karnataka can travel for free from 1pm today.”

The minister also asked the women to apply for Shakti smart cards in next three months. Answering about the privacy breach, “We have designed these smart cards in a way that the data privacy will not be breached. The portal will be open for next three month and I request women to apply for Shakti smart cards.” Meanwhile, until the cards are issued, women who would like avail the free travel benefit must carry a government photo ID card with their residential address on it. It is compulsory for women to carry the Shakti smart card, after three months from June 11. The scheme applies for all women in Karnataka, including the transgender community.
The Shakti scheme applies only on the ordinary state run bus services of Karnataka. Airavat, Airavat Club Class, Airavat Gold Class, Ambari, Ambari Dream Class, Ambari Utsav, Fly Bus, Vayu Vajra, Vajra, Non-AC Sleeper, Rajahamsa and EV Power Plus AC buses are excluded in this scheme. The scheme doesn’t also apply to those buses which travel outside the state. 50 per cent seats on KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC’s ordinary and express buses will be reserved for men.