Smart cards yet to reach ‘Shakti' scheme beneficiaries
Aadhaar-linked smart cards
Despite repeated directions, Karnataka's Transport Department delays smart card rollout under 'Shakti' scheme, raising concerns over tracking and fund misuseDespite spending over Rs.8,815 crore in 23 months (up to April 2024) under the 'Shakti' scheme, which allows women to travel for free on state-run buses in Karnataka, theTransport Department has yet to implement the distribution of smart cards to beneficiaries. This delay has raised questions about the scheme's accountability, beneficiary tracking, and financial transparency.The Finance Department has repeatedly directed the Transport Department to issue smart cards to eligible women. However, no concrete steps have been taken, leaving the expenditure estimates unreliable and the identification of genuine beneficiaries uncertain.The 'Shakti' scheme, launched on June 11, 2023, was the first of the Karnataka government's five guarantee schemes to be implemented. On the launch day, the Chief Minister, Deputy CM, and Transport Minister flagged off the initiative by issuing free tickets to women passengers. Since then, the scheme has enabled free bus travel for women across the state.As per data available, approximately 459 crore tickets have been issued to women passengers up to April 2024, incurring a total expenditure of Rs.8,815 crore for the state. Officials believe smart card distribution would offer accurate data on the number of beneficiaries, helping ensure proper allocation of funds.Initially, the Transport Department had planned to issueto ensure that only eligible women could avail of the free travel. These cards would help track the routes and distances women travel — from taluk to district to state level — and provide reliable data for reimbursements. The e-Governance Centre was also reportedly working on integrating Aadhaar numbers with the cards. However, this plan has since stalled. As the scheme nears its two-year mark, there has been no renewed effort or discussion to resume smart card distribution.Meanwhile, multiple allegations have emerged regarding misuse of the scheme. Some women reportedly show Aadhaar cards from other states to avail of free rides, while others obtain tickets for long distances but disembark midway. There are also claims of inflated ticketing to draw extra reimbursements, causing losses to the government.Sources said that the Finance Department has consistently raised objections about the lack of a smart card mechanism and the resulting ambiguity in expenditure. It has warned the Transport Department that without proper beneficiary verification, future reimbursements may be withheld.Sources from the e-Governance Centre confirmed that while there was an initial plan to issue smart cards, no clear directive has been received since then. There is currently no active discussion or preparation underway for card distribution. The Finance Department insists that smart cards are vital for accurate data collection, preventing misuse, and potentially saving crores of rupees for the govt. Although funds continue to be released to avoid inconveniencing women or stalling the scheme, another formal reminder will soon be issued, sources said.
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