Shakti, scheme launched; women will be offered with free transport in non-premier services provided by government-run Road Transport Corporations

On Sunday, June 11, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of Karnataka introduced the first of five election assurances, called "Shakti," which provides women with free transport in non-premier services provided by government-run Road Transport Corporations (RTCs).

At the occasion held on the grand steps of the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Mr Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy introduced the initiative and handed gave smart cards to five recipients.

In the Majestic bus station, Mr. Siddaramaiah adopted the role of a bus conductor and gave women passengers free tickets. On a Sunday afternoon, he gave the tickets to female travellers heading from Bengaluru to Dharmasthala.

In their individual districts and seats, the ministers and lawmakers in charge of the district simultaneously inaugurated the programme.

When the Seva Sindhu site receives applications from women, including students, the State government will issue the "Shakti Smart Card." Up until that point, it had instructed RTCs to issue "zero tickets" (free tickets) by accepting any identity card from the federal or state government that had the beneficiary's name, address, and photograph. The government has mandated that smart card issue be finished in three months.

For women with Karnataka residence only, the free travel programme is available. They will be allowed to use the RTCs' expedited and general transportation services.

The following services will not be covered by the free travel programme: Rajahamsa, non-AC sleeper, Vajra, Vayu Vajra, Airavatha, Airavatha Club Class, Airavatha Gold Class, Ambari, Ambari Dream Class, Ambari Utsav, Fly Bus, and EV Power Class. In addition, the government has set aside 50% of the seats for males in the services that women may use in all RTCs, with the exception of BMTC services.