Govt releases guidelines for ‘Shakti’ free travel for women in buses

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The State government has released guidelines for free travel of women in KSRTC buses anywhere in the state under the ‘Shakti’ scheme from June 11. This is one of the guarantee schemes announced by the Congress Party in its election manifesto before the Assembly polls.

Though the first Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah agreed in principle to the implementation of the scheme, the guidelines were issued today.

The guidelines are;

1) This scheme is available only within the State.

2) The scheme is not applicable to luxury buses like Rajahamsa, Non-AC sleeper and Vajra, Vayu Vajra, Airavat, Airavat Club Class, Airavat Gold Class, Ambari, Ambari Dream Class, Ambari Utsav, Flybus, EV Power Plus (Airconditioned) buses.

3) Except in BMTC buses, 50 percent of seats must be reserved for male passengers in KSRTC, NEKRTC NWKRTC (except inter-state AC and luxury buses).

4) Reimbursement to road transport corporations would be made on the basis of the actual distance travelled by women passengers.

5) Completion of the process for the distribution of ‘Shakti’ smart cards after receipt of the applications online through the ‘Seva Sindhu’ portal, within three months.

6) Till the distribution of the ‘Shakti Smart Cards’, women passengers must use the identity cards issued by the Government of India, State Gover nments, Government Departments, or other Government undertakings having the photo and address for issuing the ‘zero ticket’ to the passengers.