2.57 crore women in Udupi, 9.54 crore in DK availed of Shakti scheme

Over 2.57 crore women have travelled by availing of the Shakti scheme benefits since its launch on June 11, 2023, in Udupi district, with the government bearing ₹90.1 crore cost, said District Guarantee Implementation Committee president Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, on Monday.

He was speaking at the celebration of road transport corporations of the State crossing the 500-crore mark in terms of the number of women passengers who have benefited from the scheme, with the government reimbursing more than ₹12,000 crore to the four RTCs of the State.

Speaking after inaugurating the celebrations at the Udupi Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus terminal, Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroopa said the Shakti scheme has boosted women empowerment initiatives of the government. The free travel facility for women, girl students and sexual minorities has enhanced the confidence of the beneficiaries, too, she said. It has helped women to undertake self-employment, get an education and undertake other routine work.

Former Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said the scheme has empowered women, most of whom were confined within the four walls of their houses, to experience the world around them and grow. Government schemes of Shakti, Gruha Lakshmi, Anna Bhaga, Gruha Juyothi and Yuvanidhi have provided economic independence to women, he said.

On the occasion, the dignitaries offered puja to a KSRTC bus and distributed flowers and sweets to the public.

9.54 crore travellers

A similar celebration was organised at the KSRTC Bejai terminal here, led by Ivan D’Souza, MLC. He said the Shakti scheme has improved the economic condition of many families in the State, and women could also travel to places of their choice without any hindrance. It has also helped girl students from economically weaker sections to pursue education, he said.

Ivan D’Souza, MLC, and other leaders offering puja to a KSRTC bus in Mangaluru on Monday.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

KSRTC Senior Divisional Controller of Mangaluru, Rajesh Shetty, said as many as 9.54 women travelled by availing of the benefits of the Shakti scheme in Dakshina Kannada district with an estimated cost of ₹322 crore to the government.