As of October 2024, the Karnataka government has to pay Rs 1,694.42 crore to four state-owned road transport corporations to implement the Shakti plan. The outstanding payment is for the Shakti scheme, which provides free bus rides to women on non-luxury buses. One of the five pre-poll guarantees by the Congress party, Shakti scheme, was launched on June 11, 2023, shortly after the party assumed power.
The scheme has seen an overwhelming response with 350.9 crore free rides recorded between its launch and December 15, 2024. The rides have also cost the state exchequer Rs 8,481.68 crore. The scheme is also available for the people of the transgender community.
During the ongoing Karnataka Assembly session on December 16, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, responding to a question by BJP MLA Arvind Bellad, revealed that Rs 6,543 crore has been reimbursed to the four transport corporations to date. However, the government still owes Rs 280.82 crore to the Bangalore Metropolitan Road Transport Corporation (BMTC), Rs 683.21 crore to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Rs 394.7 crore to the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Rs 335.67 crore to the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).
The Shakti scheme has significantly increased bus ridership across Karnataka, but it has also placed a financial strain on the state’s transport corporations. The government has assured that it will clear the pending dues to ensure the smooth functioning of these services.
Transport department officials emphasised the scheme’s impact, highlighting its role in empowering women and increasing their mobility.
Earlier, there were speculations that Shakti scheme would be called off. However, DK Shivakumar told ANI, “There is no confusion about the Shakti scheme. The BJP is creating confusion. Some individuals are employed and receive a transport allowance from their company, so they question why they need this scheme when they can afford it. However, there are no plans or proposals to drop any of the schemes.”
