The newly formed Karnataka government has made travel via state government buses free for women from Sunday. As the Shakti scheme opened to the public many elated travellers also posted photos with their zero fare tickets on social media platforms. Others still appeared loath to use the freebie, criticizing their fellow netizens for indulging in ‘freeloading’.
“Free bus travel for every woman in Karnataka from today - Another guarantee fulfilled! Empowerment of women and economic savings - our responsibility, their right, Congress government will fulfill,” tweeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
He also shared a photo of himself standing inside a state government bus and posing with a fellow commuter.
According to officials, the free service will benefit more than 41.8 lakh women passengers on a daily basis and cost the state exchequer an estimated ₹4,051.56 crore annually. The scheme is available for women who are domiciled in Karnataka and pertains to KSRTC and BMTC buses for up to 20 km inside the state.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar were also seen distributing free travel passes during the launch of ‘Shakti Yojana’.
“Here’s my zero fare ticket in the free bus service launched for women in Karnataka by the Congress Government,” one Twitter user wrote sharing selfies with her ticket.
The scheme however appears to have provoked a mixed bag of reactions with many lashing out at those availing the free tickets.
“Free loader inspite of having capacity to pay,” read one outraged comment.
“Free rides in the bus should be meant for those economic sections that really need it - it should not be used by those who have personal fleet of cars,” opined another.
Women can apply for the Shakti Smart Card by registering on the ‘Seva Sindhu’ government portal. The CM has directed all district in-charge ministers to launch the scheme in their respective districts and the legislators to launch it in their constituencies.
The government noted that this scheme will reduce the travel expenses of working women from poor and lower middle class, and as the savings can be used for household expenses, the scheme has brought smiles on women's faces.
(With inputs from agencies)
