Shakti Scheme Puts Strain on State Finances, But It Will Continue: Minister
Updated: 28-01-2025 at 7:14 AM
1k
🚀
10M+
Reach – Join the
Movement!
❓
50K+
Queries Answered
- Ask Yours Today!
🔥
1.5L+
Users Benefiting
- Why Not You?
🚀
10M+
Reach – Join the
Movement!
❓
50K+
Queries Answered
- Ask Yours Today!
🔥
1.5L+
Users Benefiting
- Why Not You?
The Shakti Scheme, launched on June 11, 2023, by the Congress government, has become one of Karnataka’s most popular welfare schemes. Despite financial challenges, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has confirmed that the govt scheme will not be halted under any circumstances.
The programme, which provides free bus travel for women on Road Transport Corporation (RTC) buses, has cost the state over ₹7,500 crore by mid-October 2024. It has facilitated more than 3,110 million free rides, becoming a significant part of the Congress government’s outreach efforts.
Read More: Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkarsh Yojana
A Universal Welfare Programme
Unlike other state welfare schemes like the Anna Bhagya free rice scheme, which is targeted at Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders, the Shakti Scheme offers universal access. This means all women, regardless of their financial background, can benefit from free bus travel.
“This universal approach increases the financial pressure on the transport department, but it is a priority for the government. We will not stop this scheme at any cost,” Reddy said.
Controversy and Clarification
Recently, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s remarks about a possible review of the government scheme sparked criticism from opposition parties. However, Shivakumar clarified that he never suggested stopping the programme. Instead, he said he was open to discussions based on feedback from the public.
Shivakumar explained that some financially stable women, such as those working in IT and multinational companies, had expressed willingness to pay for tickets since they receive conveyance allowances. He added, “I only suggested discussing this with the Transport Minister, not discontinuing the scheme.”
Read More: Maternity Benefit Scheme
Concerns Over Transparency and Misuse
Congress leader RV Deshpande has called for more transparency in implementing the Shakti Scheme. He highlighted cases of misuse, where women used the free bus rides repeatedly for non-essential travel.
Deshpande suggested introducing measures to ensure that only those who genuinely need the travel scheme benefit from it. “Giving things free of cost is good, but it can also lead to problems. We must ensure resources are distributed fairly,” he said.
He further emphasised that responsible management is necessary, especially since the guarantees, including the Shakti Scheme, require ₹65,000 crore annually.
Opposition Criticism
The BJP has been vocal in its criticism of the scheme, with Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra claiming that Congress’s welfare programmes are straining state finances and delaying infrastructure development. “These schemes are making Karnataka a ‘zero-development state.’ No new roads or projects are being undertaken because of the financial burden caused by these guarantees,” Vijayendra said.
He argued that the guarantees introduced before the 2023 Assembly elections were not well-planned, leading to economic challenges for the state.
Balancing Welfare and Development
The Shakti Scheme has brought significant benefits to millions of women across Karnataka, but it has also raised questions about sustainability and effective resource management. While the Congress government has assured that the state government scheme will continue, discussions around transparency, accountability, and balancing welfare with development are likely to remain in focus.
Read More: Palna Scheme
Conclusion
The Shakti Scheme has undeniably transformed public transport access for women in Karnataka, offering millions of free rides and making a significant social impact. However, the financial strain on the state and concerns over misuse highlight the need for better resource management and transparency. The Congress government has affirmed that it will go ahead with the scheme. However, managing the scheme with the overall development framework of the state will be important.
Frequently Asked Questions
0
0
1k
0
0
1k Views
0
No comments available
Our Company
Home
About
T&C
Privacy Policy
Eula
Disclaimer Policy
Code of Ethics
Contact Us
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Categories
Women
Insurance
Finance
Tax
Travel
Transport & Infrastructure
Food
Entertainment
Communication
Government ID Cards
E-commerce
Traffic guidelines
Miscellaneous
Housing and Sanitation
Sports
Startup
Environment and Safety
Education
Agriculture
Social cause
Disclaimer: Jaagruk Bharat is a private organization offering support for documentation and government scheme access. We are not affiliated with any government body. Official services are available on respective government portals. Our goal is to make processes easier and more accessible for citizens.
Jaagruk Bharat with its team work tirelessly to bring all government schemes, Sarkari Yojanas, policies and guidelines to you in a simplified and structured format.
Our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying and breaking all central government and state government regulations uncomplicatedly.
Our mission and vision are to make the common citizen of India aware of all government-laid-out rules and policies in a single place. Thus, we Jagruk Bharat have created an all-inclusive portal for 1.5 billion Indian citizens to understand, utilize and avail benefits of govt schemes and policies and by bringing them under one roof.
Jaagruk Bharat (जागरूक भारत) is a one stop centralised destination where you can effortlessly find, understand, and apply for various government schemes. We are committed to ensuring transparency and empowering Indian citizens. Our goal is to keep India Jagruk about government policies, the latest news, updates, and opportunities.
All Copyrights are reserved by Jaagruk Bharat