Smart Card: Karnataka Government Free Bus Update
Launched on June 11, 2023, the Karnataka government’s Shakti Scheme empowers women by offering free bus travel across the state. To enhance efficiency and tackle logistical issues, the government introduced the Shakti Smart Card—a digital pass that makes it easier for women to access these free bus services.
Overview of the Shakti Scheme
The Shakti Scheme was introduced to promote gender equality and enhance women’s mobility by offering free bus travel within Karnataka. Since its inception, the scheme has witnessed significant usage, with women undertaking over 229 crore free journeys, translating to approximately ₹5,500 crore in ticket value. The scheme is applicable to all women residing in Karnataka, irrespective of age or income, and covers four major state-run bus corporations: KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC.
Need for the Shakti Smart Card
Initially, women availed free travel by presenting valid photo identification, such as Aadhaar cards. However, this method led to several challenges:
- Operational Delays: Conductors faced difficulties verifying IDs during peak hours, causing delays and disputes .
- Misuse of the Scheme: Instances emerged where non-residents attempted to benefit from the scheme, leading to revenue losses and administrative complications .
- Verification Issues: The manual process of checking IDs was time-consuming and prone to errors, affecting the efficiency of bus operations.
To address these issues, the government decided to implement the Shakti Smart Card system, ensuring a more streamlined and secure method for beneficiaries to access free bus services.
Application Process for the Shakti Smart Card
Eligible women can apply for the Shakti Smart Card through the Seva Sindhu portal. The application process involves:
- Registration: Applicants must register on the Seva Sindhu portal using their personal details.
- Form Submission: After registration, applicants fill out the Shakti Smart Card application form, providing necessary information and uploading required documents, including proof of residence and a valid photo ID.
- Verification: Submitted applications undergo verification by designated authorities to confirm eligibility.
- Card Issuance: Upon successful verification, the smart card is issued to the applicant. Until the card is received, beneficiaries can continue to use valid photo IDs to avail free bus travel .
Benefits of the Shakti Smart Card
The introduction of the smart card offers multiple advantages:
- Efficiency: Reduces boarding time and operational delays by eliminating manual ID checks.
- Security: Minimizes misuse by ensuring only eligible residents benefit from the scheme.
- Data Management: Facilitates accurate tracking of beneficiaries and travel patterns, aiding in policy formulation and resource allocation.
- User Convenience: Simplifies the travel process for women, enhancing their commuting experience.
Implementation and Future Outlook
The government has initiated the distribution of Shakti Smart Cards and aims to complete the process within a stipulated timeframe. Efforts are underway to ensure that all eligible women receive their cards promptly. The introduction of the smart card is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the Shakti Scheme, ensuring its sustainability and continued success in promoting women’s empowerment through improved mobility.
In conclusion, the Shakti Smart Card represents a significant step towards optimizing the free bus travel initiative for women in Karnataka. By addressing operational challenges and enhancing user experience, the smart card system reinforces the government’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive development.