Karnataka Shakti Scheme: Women Now Face Challenges In Availing Free Bus Travel Without Physical IDs

The Shakti Scheme by the Karnataka government now allows women to travel free in government buses without the need for physical IDs. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has introduced a digital ID verification system via the Digilocker app on mobile phones for availing this benefit.

However, despite this update, several women traveling in KSRTC, KKRTC, and NWKRTC buses have faced challenges. Some conductors have insisted on hard copies of IDs and forced passengers to purchase tickets if they fail to produce them. Despite the allowance for digital IDs through the DigiLocker app, many conductors have been rejecting this method, causing inconvenience to passengers.

The transport agencies have addressed this issue by mandating that conductors accept proof of identity through both physical copies and the DigiLocker app. Despite these guidelines, complaints persist about conductors refusing digital proofs and inconveniencing female passengers.

KSRTC has urged conductors to acknowledge ID proofs presented through the DigiLocker app to prevent further distress to women passengers and ensure seamless travel under the Shakti Scheme.