With launch of Shakti scheme, women say they can use savings in better ways

BENGALURU: After the launch of ‘Shakti Yojana’, a government scheme of free bus travel for women across Karnataka, many women said that they could use the savings arising out of availing of the scheme in better ways.

‘Shakti Yojana’ was launched by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday. The free travel for women across Karnataka in ordinary buses of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) was part of the Congress manifesto for the Karnataka Assembly elections.

The Shakti scheme was launched by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar on Sunday.

“Student bus pass for each semester would cost Rs 1,500. Now, as this is made free for girls, Rs 3,000 will be saved. I can buy something useful for my family”, said Sanjana, a student of Maharani College.

She was happy to travel with the Chief Minister after he launched ‘Shakti Yojana’, one of the 5 guarantee schemes of the the Congress government. She feels that this will ease her parents’ financial burden. Her parents are construction labourers.

Similarly, Sarala, a domestic help, travels to Hebbal from Ganganagar every day for work. She will save Rs 20 per day and she feels she can buy something needed for her home. Ganga Gauri, another domestic help, was all smiles when she said,the free travel scheme makes her happy.

Shashikala, studying at Malleswaram Girls PU College, has lost her father. Her mother is working as a construction worker to make both ends meet. This free travel facility will help them to buy something that supports her education, she feels.

Women say they can use the savings for other purposes.

Ambika, who does a small job near Mysore Bank Circle, will be able to save Rs 40 a day. She feels these savings will help her be a little more generous to spend on groceries, vegetables, etc.

Nandini, the conductor of the bus in which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah travelled, was proud to have the opportunity to issue the first ticket. Suitable modifications have been made in ETM to facilitate free travel for women and there is no confusion about it, she explained.

The women on the first trip were treated with roses and sweets along with the tickets. After the grand function on the grand steps of the Vidhana Soudha, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah travelled in a BMTC bus to Kempegowda Bus Station, where he launched the ‘Shakti’ scheme for women for free travel in BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC buses. (ANI)