Amid growing discussions on the freebies introduced by the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government, a Bengaluru resident sparked a viral debate regarding the state’s free bus service for women. The conversation centered around the fairness and long-term viability of the “Shakti” scheme, which provides free bus rides for women.
Kiran Kumar, in a social media post, shared his experience on a KSRTC bus traveling from Bengaluru to Mysuru. Despite a comfortable and smooth journey that cost him ₹210, he was struck by the disparity in fare distribution. He observed that nearly 30 out of 50 passengers were women who traveled for free by simply showing their Aadhar cards. This raised concerns about the equity of the scheme, as the 20 paying male passengers effectively subsidized the women’s travel.
Kumar pointed out a particular moment when an elderly man struggled to pay the fare while a young woman, apparently well-off, rode for free. He questioned the fairness of the policy and asked why, with a state surplus, the service couldn’t be made universally free for all passengers.
He criticized the inconsistency of the welfare system, noting that subsidies should target those in genuine need, not those from affluent cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru. Kumar ended his post by reflecting on the political motivations behind such policies, recognizing that these measures are often aimed at securing votes.
The post gained significant attention, with many agreeing with Kumar’s perspective, while others defended the policy as a step toward gender equality.
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