How Did K'taka CM and Dy CM Celebrate the 500th Crore Woman Beneficiary of the Shakti Travel Scheme?
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Synopsis
Karnataka's Shakti scheme reaches a remarkable milestone with 500 crore free trips for women. CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar celebrate this achievement by honoring a female passenger. The program has transformed women's mobility and financial savings across the state.
Key Takeaways
- The Shakti scheme provides free travel for women in Karnataka.
- 500 crore free trips have been achieved under this initiative.
- The scheme was launched on June 11, 2023.
- Women can save significant amounts on transportation costs.
- It is hailed as a model for similar schemes across the country.
Bengaluru, July 14 (NationPress) In a momentous occasion under the Shakti free travel scheme for women, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar commemorated the achievement of 500 crore free trips for female passengers. They presented the symbolic ticket for the 500 croreth journey to a woman passenger aboard a BMTC bus at Windsor Circle in Bengaluru.
During the press briefing, CM Siddaramaiah remarked, "Today we celebrate the milestone of the 500th crore journey under our ambitious Shakti scheme, and we are proud to hand over this symbolic ticket to the 500 croreth woman passenger."
In the lead-up to the 2023 Assembly elections, five guarantee schemes were unveiled.
After the Cabinet's decision to implement these shortly after the government took office on May 20, 2023, the Shakti scheme was initiated on June 11, as stated by the Chief Minister.
Since its inception, the Shakti scheme has provided free travel for women in government buses statewide, CM Siddaramaiah reported.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar hailed the Shakti scheme as a national model.
“We are committed to continuing these guarantee schemes. As long as we have the strength from God and the authority from the people, they will persist," he affirmed.
“The Congress party has implemented numerous welfare programs for the citizens. Initiatives such as various pension schemes, MGNREGA, and bank nationalization are vital for people’s livelihoods. No party, including the BJP, can disrupt these essential programs. They will continue uninterrupted,” emphasized Dy CM Shivakumar.
“This initiative allows women statewide to travel without any expenses, enabling them to visit their families freely. Many working women save between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 monthly thanks to this scheme,” he added.
“A woman even offered me bread and peanut pancakes as a token of gratitude. Regardless of any criticism, our initiative will endure. We take pride in fulfilling our promises and appreciate the strength granted by the public to carry out this work,” concluded Shivakumar.
The Shakti scheme, one of the five guarantees from the Congress, allows women to travel for free on all RTC buses across the state, including city buses.
Point of View
The Shakti scheme is a significant step towards gender equality and women's empowerment in public transport. Its immense reach and impact signify the government's commitment to welfare programs that prioritize women's needs, setting a benchmark for similar initiatives nationwide. As an editorial stance, it is imperative to recognize the positive repercussions such schemes have on society and the economy.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shakti Travel Scheme?
The Shakti Travel Scheme is a government initiative in Karnataka that allows women to travel for free on all RTC buses across the state, aiming to enhance women's mobility and independence.
How many free trips for women were celebrated?
The celebration marked the achievement of 500 crore free trips for women passengers under the Shakti scheme.
When was the Shakti scheme launched?
The Shakti scheme was launched on June 11, 2023, following a Cabinet decision to implement it shortly after the government took office on May 20, 2023.
Who handed over the ticket for the 500 croreth trip?
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar handed over the ticket for the 500 croreth trip to a woman passenger.
What are the financial benefits of the Shakti scheme for women?
Many women report saving between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 per month due to the free travel provided by the Shakti scheme.
