Karnataka BJP Claims 'Shakti' Free Travel Initiative is Leading Transport Department Toward Financial Ruin
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Bengaluru, Dec 28 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has launched a strong critique against the Congress-led state government regarding the Shakti guarantee scheme, which facilitates free travel for women in state-operated RTC buses. The party contends that this initiative has rendered the transport department ineffective, steering it toward financial ruin.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra commented, “The Congress government has gained the infamous reputation of financially debilitating Karnataka's transport department, which was once regarded as a benchmark for the nation.”
Vijayendra pointed out that the four corporations under this department are encumbered with debts exceeding Rs 6,468 crore, resulting in significant financial deficits. He further stated, “Even after 38 months since the last salary adjustment, the outstanding payments remain unaddressed. The Shakti scheme has exacerbated the crisis, pushing the department to the edge of collapse.”
He cautioned that if the government does not tackle the financial challenges facing the transport corporations and resolve the overdue payments for employees, it could incite widespread protests. “The day when citizens will take to the streets in a shameful denouncement of this government is not far off,” he warned.
Compounding the situation, employees from the four transport corporations have declared an indefinite strike commencing on December 31, demanding a 25 percent increase in basic pay and the settlement of pending dues. The Joint Action Committee of workers' unions has accused the government of negligence, despite several meetings and requests made to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
The Committee announced, “The strike will begin at 6 a.m. on December 31 to advocate for our demands.” Umesh, President of the Joint Action Committee, urged the government to disburse Rs 2,000 crore of the Rs 5,010 crore owed to the transport department under the Shakti initiative.
Initiated on June 11, 2023, shortly after the Congress-led government assumed office in Karnataka, the Shakti scheme has incurred a cost of Rs 7,507.35 crore as of October 18, 2024, facilitating 311.07 crore complimentary rides for women.
The initiative became controversial recently when Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar hinted at a potential review. Nevertheless, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah intervened, asserting that there would be no rollback of the scheme.
