Karnataka Private Transport Unions Strike Against Shakti Scheme, Disrupt Life in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, witnessed a massive strike by private transport unions on Monday, September 11, 2023. The strike was called to oppose the Shakti scheme, a flagship initiative of the Congress-led state government that provides free bus travel to women and transgenders in non-premium services offered by state-run road transport corporations (RTCs).

The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations, which represents over 32,000 private transporters including autos, taxis, airport taxis, maxi cabs, goods vehicles, school vehicles, and corporate buses, claimed that the Shakti scheme has adversely affected their livelihoods and demanded its withdrawal. The federation also sought the inclusion of private buses in the scheme and compensation for the losses incurred due to the pandemic.

The strike disrupted the normal life of Bengaluru’s 8.5 million residents, who depend heavily on private transport for their daily commute. Many schools and offices remained closed or declared a holiday in view of the bandh. Some commuters switched to metro trains and buses operated by Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which increased its fleet and frequency to cater to the increased demand. However, many others faced difficulties in finding alternative modes of transport and had to walk long distances or pay exorbitant fares.

The strike also witnessed some incidents of violence and vandalism, as some protestors targeted auto rickshaws and cabs that were plying despite the strike call. They also staged road blockades and burnt tires at various places, causing traffic jams and inconvenience to the public. The police deployed additional forces and issued a traffic advisory to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles.

#WATCH | Karnataka | Private transport unions in Bengaluru hold a strike in Bengaluru demanding the withdrawal of the Congress government's Shakti Yojana (Scheme).

The scheme aims to offer free bus rides within the state to women and transgender people. pic.twitter.com/EM6ZoJdVXs

— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2023

Shakti Scheme: A Step Towards Women’s Empowerment or a Political Gimmick?

The Shakti scheme was launched by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on June 11, 2023, as one of the first five poll guarantees of the ruling Congress party ahead of the assembly elections due in early 2024. The scheme aims to empower women and transgenders by providing them free travel facilities in non-premium buses run by four RTCs – Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), North Eastern Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NEKRTC), and BMTC.

According to the government, the scheme benefits around 35 lakh women and transgenders, including 25 lakh working women in organized and unorganized sectors and 7 lakh girl students. The scheme also covers women police personnel, home guards, Anganwadi workers, and ASHA workers. The government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for the scheme in the current fiscal year.

The government claims that the scheme has multiple advantages such as enhancing women’s mobility, safety, education, employment, income, health, and social status. It also asserts that the scheme has boosted the ridership and revenue of RTCs, which were facing losses due to low occupancy and high operational costs.

However, the scheme has also faced criticism from various quarters, especially from private transport operators who allege that it has reduced their income by diverting passengers from their services. They also accuse the government of discriminating against them by not including them in the scheme or compensating them for their losses. They argue that they have been providing essential services to the public during the pandemic and deserve equal treatment and support from the government.

Some opposition parties and experts have also questioned the rationale and feasibility of the scheme, calling it a political gimmick to woo women voters ahead of the elections. They have raised concerns over the financial viability and sustainability of the scheme, given the huge subsidy burden on the exchequer and the poor financial health of RTCs. They have also pointed out the lack of adequate infrastructure and facilities such as bus shelters, seats, toilets, CCTV cameras, etc., to ensure safe and comfortable travel for women and transgenders.

Shakti Scheme