Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar clarified his remarks on the state’s Shakti scheme — a programme providing free bus journey to girls — after Congress nationwide president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed disapproval over the prospect of a overview. The deputy CM’s preliminary feedback recommended a dialogue on reviewing the scheme, drawing criticism and prompting opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Occasion (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)].
Addressing the media, Shivakumar insisted that his phrases have been “twisted” and reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to the welfare scheme. “No matter our elders say, we observe that,” he added, clarifying that he merely proposed a dialogue and that there was “no query of closing the schemes.” Responding to the allegations of wavering on key welfare initiatives, he mentioned, “The BJP simply desires to bask in enjoying politics. They don’t have anything higher to do.”
The “Shakti” scheme, a part of the five-guarantee initiatives launched by the Congress authorities upon taking workplace final 12 months, was launched on June 11, 2023. As of October 18, 2024, the state has invested ₹7,507.35 crore within the programme, offering 311.07 crore free rides to girls.
The controversy first surfaced on October 30 when Shivakumar talked about that the suggestions from some working girls, notably these within the IT and multinational sectors, who expressed a willingness to contribute financially for bus fares. Explaining his place, he mentioned, “A number of economically empowered girls who obtain conveyance allowances have proven curiosity in paying for tickets. I solely recommended that we talk about this with the transport minister, however I by no means implied discontinuing the scheme.”
At an occasion marking the loss of life anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Kharge cautioned Congress leaders in Karnataka about statements that may undermine the state authorities’s welfare commitments. Referring to the importance of the welfare schemes, he mentioned that comparable programmes had been being deliberate in Maharashtra. Addressing Shivakumar, Kharge mentioned, “By saying revision, you’ve created doubts, and that’s sufficient for individuals who need to criticise.”
Responding swiftly to the escalating considerations, chief minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the notion of a overview altogether. “There isn’t any such proposal earlier than the federal government,” he mentioned, reiterating the administration’s dedication to sustaining its welfare guarantees.
On Friday, following the criticism, Shivakumar emphasised that every one 5 main welfare schemes, together with Shakti, will proceed all through the remaining 3.5 years of the present authorities time period and past, ought to Congress be re-elected. He recommended a voluntary mannequin, just like Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s LPG subsidy attraction, whereby residents who can afford it are inspired to forgo subsidies. “We are able to’t power these schemes on those that don’t need them,” he added, underlining his openness to contemplating voluntary contributions.
When requested whether or not girls may select to pay for bus rides, Shivakumar highlighted the operational problem and mentioned, “The transport workers want authorities permission. Conductors are hesitant to gather fares from girls because the regulation prohibits it, and there may very well be accusations of forcing girls to pay.” Shivakumar pressured the necessity for cautious consideration of this suggestion, raised by girls themselves.
Shivakumar, who additionally leads the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), reiterated that his assertion was misconstrued. Evaluating the Shakti scheme’s flexibility to Modi’s LPG subsidy initiative, he mentioned, “Some personal firm workers who obtain a transportation allowance have volunteered to pay for his or her tickets. How can we power somebody in the event that they need to pay?”
In the meantime, BJP chief CN Ashwath Narayan blamed the Congress authorities’s Shakti scheme for overcrowding and repair inefficiencies. The Shakti scheme, which supplies free bus journey for ladies, has reportedly put a pressure on the transport system, affecting common commuters corresponding to college students and labourers.
He argued that implementing Shakti with the present sources led to overcrowding, inflicting a “collapse of the general public transport system.” He added, “With the present fleet of buses, they applied the Shakti scheme, which led to a lot of inconveniences. College students and labourers suffered resulting from overcrowding and inefficient companies.”
Narayan mentioned that the Congress authorities seems to be reconsidering the scheme in response to its impression on transportation. “Now realising the error, the Congress authorities desires to withdraw the Shakti scheme. That’s the proper factor to do,” he added.
