What is the Shakti Scheme Sparking Political Debate in Karnataka?

Shakti Scheme, one of the five guarantees promised by the Congress during the Karnataka elections, has now become a cause of trouble for the Congress government. After the formation of the government, Congress implemented this scheme on June 11, 2023, but within a year the scheme has come under controversy. Along with BJP and JDS, now Congress's own leaders are raising questions on this scheme. Let's know what is Shakti Scheme.

What is the Shakti Scheme?

Shakti Scheme is one of the five guarantees of Congress, under which Congress had promised to implement them if it came to power. As soon as it came to power, the Congress government implemented this scheme on June 11, 2023. Under this scheme, women of the state are given the facility of free travel in government buses. The scheme aims to provide social and economic strength to women, and it has been prepared based on the scheme of the Delhi government.

Rs 7,507.35 crore spent so far

Till October 18, 2024, the state government has spent Rs 7,507.35 crore on this scheme. So far 311.07 crore women have availed free travel under this scheme. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar recently said that some women are talking about paying the fare, so this scheme can be reviewed. After his statement, the controversy over the Shakti scheme has increased, and it is believed that this scheme is putting a lot of pressure on the government's budget.

Mallikarjun Kharge criticized DK Shivakumar

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday expressed displeasure over this statement of Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. Kharge jokingly said that he had given five guarantees in Karnataka, and now Shivakumar is talking about giving up one guarantee. On this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar laughed and disagreed with this. After this statement of Kharge, BJP and JDS have started targeting Congress.