Speaker writes to CM on free bus travel for men undergoing dialysis

BENGALURU: The state government ‘Shakti’ scheme, which provides free bus travel to women, may soon be extended to men with kidney problems. Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requesting that the proposal be considered. With the state budget to be presented in early March, a decision on the proposal is expected.

The Shakti scheme has been one of the state’s most popular initiatives, with many beneficiaries since its inception. Initially limited to women, there has been a growing demand to expand it to men as well.

Lakhs of men in the state travel by bus daily, including those with kidney problems who require frequent dialysis. The Shakti scheme has been sought to be extended to these individuals, who spend a significant amount on travel expenses, often two to three times a week. This development comes after RTI activist Syed Rehman Samin wrote to the Speaker to consider expanding the scheme to include men undergoing dialysis. Currently, thousands of men in the state travel by buses daily, including those with kidney problems who require frequent dialysis. Extending the ‘Shakti’ scheme to these individuals would greatly alleviate their financial burden, the letter said.