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Free bus ride scheme implemented on June 11 (Image: News18)
During the first trimester, women are required to present a valid government identification confirming their address in Karnataka, which is checked by the bus conductor.
Shakti, the Karnataka government scheme that enables women to travel across the state for free on government-run buses, is currently a widely discussed topic. Besides the Siddaramaya-led government’s set of rules for women to take advantage of this benefit, incidents of lack of clarity around guidelines are receiving attention.
The free bus ride scheme was implemented on June 11. For the first three months, women are required to present a valid government identification confirming their address in Karnataka, which is checked by the bus conductor.
Upon verification, the conductor issues a “zero” ticket to female passengers. This facility can be availed on all regular state-run buses across Karnataka, including Bengaluru.
Unaware of the requirements to provide identification, an elderly woman in Udupi got off a government bus empty-handed. She had no identification nor any money for a ticket. When the bus driver asked her to buy a ticket, tears welled up in her eyes.
Noticing her inability, a traveler bought her a ticket to Shivamoga, the destination she intended to travel to.
In another incident in Ilkal in Bagalakot, a female passenger got into a heated argument with the bus conductor. The woman had large bags, which were considered extra baggage. While she was entitled to free travel under Shakti yojana, there was no provision for free movement of goods or baggage. When the conductor asked her to buy a ticket for her baggage, the woman insisted that the baggage belonged to her and should be excused.
After a lengthy exchange of heated words at the Ilkal bus stand, the conductor removed her luggage from the bus because she refused to buy a ticket. Then, she had to take a different bus after the accident.
Government buses in Shivamuga are overcrowded, similar to other parts of the state. However, in this region, most women are on a pilgrimage spree.
“We are not sure when this free offering will end, so we are making full use of it,” said Savitha, who is traveling with a group of 8 other women to different temples in Karnataka.
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