Latest news with #ShaktiScheme
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Transport Minister to launch 200 audio-enabled buses for the visually impaired in Mysuru
In a significant step towards inclusive public transportation, 200 buses of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) with devices that will assist visually-impaired persons will be rolled out in Mysuru. Minister for Transport of Karnataka Ramalinga Reddy will launch the new initiative on Monday, July 14, and the concept entails installation of an audio device on buses which will be activated by the users through a remote key to give it the route numbers and other details. Pushpa Amarnath, vice-chairperson of the Karnataka State Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee, told media persons here on Saturday that this initiative was being taken up in collaboration with BIZ India, and will help visually-impaired persons to independently board the buses plying to the routes of their choice. She said it is only the Congress and its leadership which can conceive of such ideas and implement socially inclusive projects. She also credited Mr. Reddy for taking the initiative. The event, scheduled for 1 p.m., will coincide with the celebration of the Shakti scheme reaching 500 crore free rides for women across Karnataka, said Ms. Amarnath. To mark this achievement, a special event titled Mahila Shakti Sambrahma will be held in Mysuru, she added. She credited Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for the success of the Shakti scheme, describing it as a 'gift to the women of Karnataka', and a symbol of newfound mobility and dignity. 'Though we were not around when the country gained independence, women in Karnataka are now experiencing commuting freedom — the freedom to travel without fear, with confidence and self-reliance,' said Ms. Amarnath. The Shakti Scheme has cost the government ₹776.8 crore so far in Mysuru district since its launch two years ago, while the expenditure incurred across the State was in excess of ₹12,733 crore, she added.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Free bus facility for students in govt schools
Bengaluru: In a major step toward strengthening public education, the government has announced free bus transportation for all students studying from LKG to PUC in Karnataka Public Schools (KPS). The initiative is aimed at improving accessibility, attendance, and the overall quality of education in government-run schools across the state. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar shared the news via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring a bright future for children studying in public schools. 'The government is committed to the bright future of government school students. As part of strengthening Karnataka Public Schools, we are launching free bus services for students studying from LKG to PUC,' said DCM Shivakumar. This student transportation scheme adds to the list of progressive welfare programs initiated by the state, such as the Shakti Scheme, which currently provides free bus services to women across Karnataka. With this move, the Karnataka Government has once again underlined its commitment to inclusive, accessible, and quality education for all—especially for underprivileged children. Beneficiaries: Studentsfrom LKG to PUC enrolled in Karnataka Public Schools, Children from economically weaker sections, especially in rural and remote areas, It improves attendance and learning outcomes in government schools. It is a major support system for families struggling with transportation costs and strengthens the government's mission to empower and revamp public education.
The Hindu
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Akram Pasha takes charge as KSRTC Managing Director
Senior IAS officer Akram Pasha assumed charge as the new Managing Director of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) on Wednesday. Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) Managing Director Ramachandran R., IAS, who has been holding concurrent charge of KSRTC handed over the charge to Mr. Pasha. The previous MD, V. Anbukumar, was transferred and posted as Secretary, Housing Department on June 2. Mr. Pasha has served in key positions such as Commissioner of the Karnataka Housing Board and the Labour Department. He has also held the post of Deputy Commissioner in Hassan and Kolar districts. His appointment comes at a time when KSRTC and other transport corporations in Karnataka are facing a significant financial crunch, as the implementation of the Shakti Scheme, which offers free travel for women, has led to a surge in ridership, but full reimbursement from the government is still pending.
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Karnataka's Shakti scheme completes two years
The Shakti scheme, Karnataka's free bus travel initiative for women, marked its second anniversary on June 11 with over 474 crore women passengers having availed the benefit across the State. Launched on June 11, 2023, by the Congress government, the scheme was one of the five major pre-poll guarantees. The scheme allows women with Karnataka domicile to travel for free in non-premium government buses operated by the four State-run transport corporations-KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC. According to data shared by the transport department, between June 11, 2023, and June 10, 2025, the four c!orporations together recorded a total of 801.54 crore passenger journeys. Of these, 474.82 crore were women passengers travelling under the Shakti scheme. The largest number of women beneficiaries were recorded in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) with over 150.69 crore female passengers. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) followed with 144.23 crore, while North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) reported 111.10 crore and 68.78 crore, respectively. The total notional ticket value for the free rides availed by women over the two years stands at ₹11,994.37 crore, which the State Government reimburses to the corporations. Under the scheme, women can board ordinary and express services within Karnataka by showing valid ID proof issued by the State Government or any Central Government document that confirms domicile. Premium services such as Airavat, Rajahamsa and Vajra are excluded. Even though the Shakti Scheme has completed two years, the smart cards meant for beneficiaries are yet to be distributed. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that the plan to issue smart cards is in place, but the rollout is delayed due to the lack of electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) in all buses, making implementation unfeasible. Currently, women passengers avail free travel by presenting a valid identity card issued by the Central or State government to obtain a 'zero ticket'.
