Karnataka Shakti Smart Card Registration 2024: Women Apply Online for Free Bus Travel

Karnataka government has started Shakti Scheme registration process at sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in. One can check smart card registration process at sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in. In the new shakti yojana (शक्ति योजना), govt. will provide free travel for women in public transport buses. The state govt. will issue shakti smart cards as free bus pass to all women and this scheme would mainly benefit women working in organised / unorganised sector and school girls. 

By the previous BJP led govt., gruhini shakti yojana was envisioned as financial help scheme to women from BPL families. But in current congress govt., free bus passes will be issued under Shakti Scheme. The shakthi scheme announcement was one of the pre poll announcements by Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra along with Gruha Lakshmi Yojana, yuva nidhi scheme etc.

Shakti Scheme in Karnataka Budget 2024-25

On 16th Feb 2024, Finance Minister presented Karnataka Budget 2024-25. While presenting the budget, FM said "Shakti scheme is the first guarantee scheme implemented within a month of assuming power by our Government. Under the scheme, free bus travel facility is being offered to women, girl students and gender minorities. Under Shakti scheme, more than 155 crore women commuters have availed the benefit of free travel so far and Rs. 3,000 crore has been provided for this".

FM added "The survey of Shakti scheme shows an overwhelmed response from the public. By implementing this scheme, we have given emphasis to women empowerment and freedom. Women are putting this scheme to good use by pursuing education, finding better employment opportunities, more participating in economic activities and travelling. The splendid response to this scheme mirrors its successful implementation".

About Karnataka Shakti Scheme 2024

The honourable chief minister of Karnataka has started implementation of Gruhini Shakti Yojana 2024. CM stated "our government will provide free bus pass to around 42 lakh women including 30 lakh women working in organised sector & 8 lakh girl students". To empower women, another scheme namely Gruha Lakshmi scheme would be implemented in which Rs. 2,000 would be given to female heads of every household in Karnataka. 

As per the new notification regarding Uchita Prayana Yojana, women are allowed free travel in government buses from 11 June 2023. 

Overview of Women Free Bus Travel Scheme in Karnataka 

Name of Scheme	Gruhini Shakti Scheme
State	Karnataka
Objective	Free travel for all women in government buses
Eligible benefits	All women living in Karnataka state including girl students, working women in either organised or unorganised sector
Number of Beneficiaries	Around 42 lakh women including 30 lakh working women, 8 lakh girl students
Who announced it	Smt. Priyanka Gandhi (before Karnataka state assembly elections)
Start Date	11 June 2023

Shakthi Smart Cards to be Issued (New Guidelines)

The Karnataka government on 5th June 2023 issued detailed guidelines for the implementation of the Shakthi scheme that offers free travel to women in state-run transport corporations. Under ‘Shakthi Scheme’, the transport department will issue ‘Shakthi Smart Cards’ for the beneficiaries. These smart cards will be issued in the next three months allowing women to travel free on buses. Luxury buses including Rajahamsa, non-AC sleepers, Airavat, and Ambari, are exempt from the scheme.

In buses of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation, and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation, 50 per cent of the seats will be reserved for men. The reservation is not applicable to Bengaluru Metropolitan Road Transport Corporation buses.

Objective of Sakhti Scheme (Uchita Prayana)

Gruhini Shakti Scheme (Uchita Prayana) was firstly announced by Mrs. Priyanka Gandhi before Karnataka assembly elections. After getting a whooping majority, congress party is focusing on fulfilling its pre poll announcements. One of the announcement was to ensure free travel for women across the state. It is expected that soon the state cabinet will approve Karnataka Shakti scheme.

Congress Party on Shakti Scheme

Before Karnataka assembly elections, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra announced the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, promising ₹2,000 a month to women-led households if voted to power in the state. Addressing a "Na Nayaki" (I am a woman leader) convention for women in the city, the Congress leader said the direct benefit scheme would help 150 million housewives.

She also mentioned that Shakti scheme would be launched in which free travel for women would be ensured in state transport buses. 

Seva Sindhu Shakti Smart Card Registration - https://sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in/