Karnataka Transport Minister Assures Continuation of Shakti Scheme

Amidst social media rumors and calls for review from within Congress, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy reaffirms the continuation of the Shakti scheme, offering free bus travel to women in the state. Addressing concerns raised by Congress leader M. Lakshman, who advocated for a review of guarantee schemes post Lok Sabha elections, Reddy emphasizes that these schemes are not merely for electoral gains but to assist the needy.

The Shakti scheme, a key initiative of the Congress government, has been allocated ₹5,500 crore in the budget and is deemed highly successful, benefiting lakhs of women across Karnataka. Originating from the Congress manifesto for the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, the Shakti scheme has been pivotal in the party’s electoral victory and forms part of five guarantees promised to the people.

Since its implementation on June 11, 2023, the scheme has facilitated free travel for women and transgenders on non-premium state-run buses, contributing to over 225 crore free trips till June 9, 2024, with a cost of ₹5481 crore to the state exchequer.