BENGALURU, Karnataka: The Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah launched an ambitious scheme named ‘Shakti’ which is one of the five guarantee schemes that provides free travel to women on public buses in the state.
Speaking at the launch event, Siddaramaiah asserted that women should equally take part in the progress of the state and that schemes like Shakti will empower women and increase women’s participation in various fields. “Shakti scheme is a program for women. Women, who make up half of society, have been exploited for centuries. Minorities and women are deprived of opportunities and literacy,” stated Siddaramaiah.
He further compared women’s participation in various developed nations to that of India and said that women’s participation is about 53 per cent in the USA, 54 per cent in China, 57 per cent in Australia, and 57 per cent in Indonesia. “In Bangladesh, it amounts to 30 per cent whereas in India it amounts to just 24 per cent. After 2014, this rate has come down to 24 per cent from 30 per cent in the country. Countries that have more women participation will develop.”
While talking about the other guarantee schemes, he mentioned the Griha Jyoti scheme, which will empower the socially and economically poorer class of people. He explained, “The Griha Jyoti scheme will be implemented from July 1 and we will work towards economic and social empowerment of the poor people belonging to all castes and religions. We have no caste or religion. During our previous tenure, we have fulfilled 158 promises out of 165.”
He added, “There is no question of going back on one’s word. ₹59,000 crore is required to implement all the guarantees. It doesn’t matter how much money we are spending, but it is important to whom we are giving.”
CM Siddaramaiah also spoke about making Karnataka a hunger-free state. “We have promised to give 10 kg food grains to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya card holders and ₹10,100 crore is required for that. Karnataka should become a hunger-free state as people without food know the pain of hunger,” he said. Women with smart cards can avail food for free, which applies to girl students too.
Siddaramaiah released the logo of the Shakti scheme and smart card in pink colour. DK Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka; Ramalingareddy, Transport Minister, Government of Karnataka; Madhu Bangarappa, Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Government of Karnataka were present among others.