In a significant move aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality, the Karnataka state government has introduced the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which grants free travel privileges to women in government buses across the state. This initiative, fulfilling one of the five poll promises made by the ruling Congress party, is set to positively impact the lives of millions of women commuters.
Starting from Sunday, women residing in Karnataka can avail themselves of this free travel service on government buses for journeys within the state limits. This welfare measure is expected to benefit an astounding number of over 41.8 lakh women passengers each day. With an estimated annual cost of Rs 4,051.56 crore to the state exchequer, the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to supporting women’s access to transportation and ensuring their active participation in societal and economic activities.
The ‘Shakti’ scheme signifies a significant step forward in promoting women’s empowerment and inclusivity. By removing the financial barrier associated with transportation, the government aims to enhance women’s mobility and enable them to pursue education, employment, healthcare, and various other opportunities. This initiative not only acknowledges the pivotal role played by women in society but also recognizes the need for targeted measures to address their unique challenges and empower them further.
The introduction of this scheme is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering a safe and enabling environment for women in Karnataka. By providing them with free travel options, the state aims to address concerns related to safety, accessibility, and affordability that women often face while using public transportation. This move aligns with the government’s vision to create a gender-sensitive society that values and supports women’s rights.
The ‘Shakti’ scheme is a significant stride towards bridging the gender gap in public transportation. It acknowledges the role of women as active contributors to the state’s development and aims to enhance their overall well-being. By ensuring free travel for women, the government recognizes the importance of equal opportunities and seeks to remove barriers that hinder women’s participation in various spheres of life.
The implementation of this scheme has been meticulously planned to maximize its impact. By initiating the program at 1 pm today, the government has chosen a time that caters to the needs of a wide range of women commuters. This scheduling allows women to utilize the free travel service for their educational, professional, and personal purposes, contributing to their overall empowerment and development.
Moreover, the ‘Shakti’ scheme’s magnitude is commendable, with over 41.8 lakh women passengers expected to benefit from it daily. The financial commitment of Rs 4,051.56 crore annually from the state exchequer signifies the government’s dedication to women’s welfare and demonstrates its prioritization of gender-focused initiatives.
As Karnataka becomes the first state to introduce such a pioneering scheme, it sets a positive precedent for other regions to prioritize women’s empowerment and take similar steps towards creating an inclusive society. The ‘Shakti’ scheme is a shining example of progressive governance that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of women, ensuring their active participation and overall well-being.
By providing free travel for women in government buses, Karnataka’s ‘Shakti’ scheme sends a powerful message that women’s rights and empowerment are crucial pillars of a progressive society. The government’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by women and creating an environment that enables their growth and success is commendable. This visionary initiative has the potential to bring about transformative change, not only in the lives of individual women but also in the larger narrative of gender equality and inclusivity in the state of Karnataka.
