Shakti scheme to continue providing free bus travel for women in K’taka

Transport Minister Ramalingareddy announced that the Shakti scheme, offering free travel for women in transport buses, will extend into February. Addressing a gathering in Kalaburagi on Friday, the minister revealed that an allocation of 6600 crores has been reserved in the state budget for 2024-25, set to be presented on February 16.

Acknowledging the importance of the Shakti Yojana, the minister emphasized that it remains a priority for the government, reaffirming Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s commitment to allocating funds for the scheme. This assurance, he stated, dispels opposition claims that the guarantee of free travel would cease post-elections.

Under the Shakti Yojana, which allows free travel for women across Karnataka, the minister highlighted a significant increase in ridership. With 60 lakh women traveling daily, a staggering 150 crore women have benefited from the scheme thus far.

Despite financial challenges, particularly within the KKR TC corporation, Ramalingareddy stressed the importance of prioritizing public interest by ensuring continued transportation services, even in the face of losses. He urged corporation employees to collaborate for operational efficiency, emphasizing the need for cooperation to ensure profitability.

Addressing longstanding concerns, the minister announced forthcoming initiatives, including the recruitment of personnel and the provision of new buses. He revealed that recruitment orders for 1614 selected personnel under 371J will be issued on February 18, alongside plans to allocate 5800 new buses statewide, including 475 for Kalyan Karnataka.

Responding to demands from local representatives, Ramalingareddy pledged to construct two new bus stations in Kalaburagi city, subject to the allocation of suitable land, as per the request of South MLA Allama Prabhu Patila.

Additionally, the minister addressed salary revisions for transport corporation staff and officers, confirming that the revision, initially scheduled for January 1, 2020, would take effect from March 17, 2023. Demands for payment of salary revision arrears and various other employee grievances were also presented during the gathering.

The event saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Ministers Priyank Kharge and Sharanbasappa Gowda Darshanapura, along with MLAs and other leaders from the region.