Karnataka Shakti Scheme 2024: In a groundbreaking move towards women’s empowerment and accessibility, the Karnataka government’s Shakti scheme has taken the state by storm. Launched in 2023 as a fulfillment of a campaign promise, Shakti provides free bus travel for women across Karnataka, fostering mobility, independence, and financial relief.
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Karnataka Shakti Scheme 2024: A Year of Transformation
The Shakti scheme celebrated its first anniversary with a remarkable achievement – over 229 crore free bus rides, amounting to a ticket value of Rs 5,500 crore. This initiative, part of the five pre-poll guarantees by the Congress government, has become a symbol of progress and inclusivity.
How Shakti is Changing Lives
- Ningavva’s Story: Ningavva Shiggadi, a 70-year-old woman from Dharwad, exemplifies the newfound freedom Shakti offers. No longer reliant on her children for travel funds, she can visit family and explore new places independently.
- Student Empowerment: MA Jayashree, a law student, presented CM Siddaramaiah with a garland of saved bus tickets, symbolizing the financial relief Shakti provides for education.
- Economic Impact: A study by the Fiscal Policy Institute revealed a 5.15% increase in GST collection from July 2023 to March 2024, suggesting that women are using their saved money for consumption, boosting the state’s economy.
Navigating Challenges and Expanding Benefits
- Overcrowding Concerns: While Shakti has been immensely successful, concerns about overcrowding have arisen. The government is actively working to address this by increasing bus frequencies and expanding the fleet.
- Smart Card Delay: The introduction of Shakti smart cards, intended for seamless travel, has faced delays due to technical challenges. The government is working towards resolving these issues and implementing the smart card system soon.
Shakti Scheme Ridership Statistics (June 2023- June 2024)
Transport Corporation | Free Rides (in crores) | Estimated Ticket Value (in crores) |
KSRTC | 68 | 2,077 |
BMTC | 71 | N/A |
NWKRTC | 52 | N/A |
KKRTC | 38 | N/A |
Shakti’s Impact Beyond Transportation
Shakti is more than just free rides. It’s about:
- Workforce Participation: Women can now access employment opportunities further from home, boosting their economic participation.
- Healthcare Access: Affordable travel to medical facilities has improved women’s health outcomes.
- Social Connections: Shakti facilitates social interactions and strengthens community bonds.
The Road Ahead for Shakti
As Shakti enters its second year, the government is committed to refining and expanding the scheme. Future plans include:
- Smart Card Implementation: Streamlining travel with tap-and-go technology.
- Enhanced Bus Services: Increasing bus frequencies and routes to cater to growing demand.
- Addressing Feedback: Actively addressing passenger feedback to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience.
How to Apply for the Shakti Smart Card
Looking to apply for the Shakti Smart Card? Let’s walk through the process together.
First, head over to the official Seva Sindhu portal at Seva Sindhu. Once you’re on the homepage, you’re ready to get started.
New Users, Start Here
If you’re a new user, you’ll need to register first. Don’t worry, it’s straightforward:
- Register: Fill in your details on the registration page.
- Log In: After registering, log in using the credentials you just created.
Applying for the Smart Card
Once you’re logged in, you can begin your application for the Shakti Smart Card:
- Find the Application: Click on the “Apply for Shakti Smart Card” option.
- Fill Out the Form: You’ll see an application form on a new page. Enter all the required details carefully.
- Submit: Double-check your information and then click on the “Submit” option.
Shakti Scheme Budget Allocation
Financial Year | Budget Allocation (in crores) |
2023-2024 | 2,800 |
2024-2025 | 5,015 |
Conclusion
The Karnataka Shakti Scheme stands as a testament to the power of accessible transportation in transforming lives. By empowering women through free travel, the government has not only fulfilled a promise but has also ignited a wave of positive change across the state. As Shakti continues to evolve, it promises to shape a more inclusive and equitable future for Karnataka.
All women residing in Karnataka are eligible.
A government-issued ID card as proof of residency.
Shakti applies to all non-luxury buses operated by KSRTC and BMTC.