The state of Karnataka has recently introduced the Karnataka Shakti Scheme, an innovative initiative aimed at empowering women by providing them with free bus transportation. Effective from June 11, 2023, this scheme endeavors to promote gender equality and eliminate transportation barriers. In order to help women in Karnataka understand the application process and seize this opportunity, let us delve into the details of the program.
The Shakti Scheme is designed to offer complimentary bus travel to women residing in Karnataka. It commences on June 11, 2023, and is accessible to all eligible women in the state. To avail themselves of this benefit, interested individuals can apply for the Shakti Smart Card via the Seva Sindhu Portal within a three-month period. Additional information about the scheme can be found on the official website.
The primary objective of the Karnataka Shakti Scheme is to provide women in Karnataka with convenient and easily accessible transportation options. By facilitating free bus rides, this program aims to empower women and foster gender equality.
Benefits of the Karnataka Shakti Scheme
- Enhanced Transportation Accessibility: Women will be able to access transportation services more easily, enabling them to travel to work, school, hospitals, and other essential destinations with greater convenience.
- Reduced Financial Burden: By eliminating transportation costs, the scheme alleviates the financial burden on women. The savings they accrue can then be utilized for other necessities such as education, healthcare, food, or transportation expenses.
- Workforce Participation: The provision of free bus rides can motivate more women to enter the workforce by removing the barrier of transportation costs. This, in turn, enables women to contribute more significantly to the economy and seek employment opportunities.
- Empowerment and Independence: By offering women accessible transportation options free of charge, the scheme promotes their independence, freedom of movement, and ease of travel within the state.
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Buses Covered by the Karnataka Shakti Scheme:
- North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC)
- Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
- Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)
- Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC)
For further details and information, please refer to the official website of the Scheme.
Karnataka Shakti Scheme Excluded Buses: The following buses are not included in the Karnataka Shakti Scheme:
- Rajahamsa
- Sleeper without AC
- Vajra
- Airavat
- Ambari
- EV Power Plus
Eligibility Criteria for the Karnataka Shakti Scheme:
To be eligible for the Karnataka Shakti Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency in Karnataka.
- The scheme is also open to transgender individuals.
- The scheme is open to women residing in Karnataka.
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Required Documents
- Proof of identity: Valid government-issued ID card such as a driver’s license or Aadhaar card.
- Proof of address: Aadhaar card, voter ID card, or utility bill.
- Recent passport-sized photograph for identification.
- Transgender certificate (if applicable) issued by the competent authority for transgender individuals.
How to Apply for the Shakti Smart Card
The application process for the Shakti Smart Card is as follows:
- Visit the official Seva Sindhu portal.
- Complete the registration process if you are a first-time user.
- Log in to the portal using your credentials.
- Click on “Apply for Shakti Smart Card.”
- Fill out the application form with all the necessary details.
- Submit the application form.
Karnataka Shakti Scheme Launch Date
To mark the inauguration of the Karnataka Shakti Scheme in 2023, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah will personally drive a bus and issue tickets to passengers on route 43 of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation. This symbolic act by the Chief Minister highlights the commitment of the Karnataka Congress Government to empower women by providing free and accessible transportation.
Application Deadline: After the implementation of the scheme, applications must be submitted within 3 months. Therefore, women must apply by September 11 to avail themselves of the benefits. Late applications will not be accepted.
Karnataka Shakti Yojana Application Status:
To check the status of your application for the Karnataka Shakti Yojana, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website.
- Click on “Check Your Application Status.”
- Fill in the required fields such as department, service, and application ID.
- Click on the “Check Status” button.
- The application status will be displayed on your computer screen.