Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that women too should take part equally in the progress of the state.

He was speaking today after launching the ambitious Shakti scheme which is one of the five guarantee schemes, which provides free travel to women in government buses.

Shakti scheme is a program for women. Women, who make up half of society, have been exploited for centuries. Minorities and women are deprived of opportunities and literacy , he said

While comparing the women participation in various developed countries and that of India, The Chief Minister said that women participation is about 53% in America, 54% in China, 57% in Australia, 57% in Indonesia. In Bangladesh, it amounts to 30% whereas in India it amounts to just 24%. He said that after 2014, this rate has come down to 24% from 30% in the country. Countries which have more women participation will develop. Economic and social inequalities in the society can be gradually erased when women are empowered, he opined.
Poor belonging to all castes and religions will be empowered economically and socially
Griha Jyoti scheme will be implemented from July 1. We will work towards economic and social empowerment of the poor people belonging to all castes and religions. We have no caste or religion. During our previous tenure, we have fulfilled 158 promises out of 165, he explained.
There is no question of going back on one’s word. Rs. 59000 crore is required to implement all the guarantees. It doesn’t matter how much money we are spending, but it is important to whom we are giving, he said.
We have promised to give 10 kg food grains to BPL and Antyodaya card holders and Rs. 10,100 crore is required. Karnataka should become a hunger free state. People without food know the pain of hunger, he said.
Women can use this facility from 1pm today. All women will be given smart cards. This scheme is applicable to girl students too.The chief Minister explained that there are no middlemen to avail these schemes and will reach the beneficiaries directly. The Chief Minister released the logo of Shakti scheme and smart card in pink colour.