In a recent development, the Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to review, within two months, a plea submitted by private transport firms seeking inclusion in the Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel for women.
The single judge bench of Justice S R Krishna Kumar disposed of a petition filed by private bus operators in Udupi district, urging the extension of the Shakti Scheme to cover their buses.
The petition argued that private stage carriage operators should be considered for the Shakti Yojane, emphasizing their services in mountainous and hilly areas where state-owned KSRTC buses do not operate. The plea highlighted the financial strain on private operators after the initiation of free bus services for women in state transport buses.
The court was informed that private operators, despite the high cost of running state carriage buses, have been providing crucial services in areas where KSRTC services are unavailable.
The Shakti Yojane, effective since June 11, 2023, has had an adverse impact on private operators, causing significant losses within two days of its implementation. The petition raised concerns about the sustainability of services that have been operational for more than 50 to 60 years.
The Karnataka High Court’s directive instructs the state government to consider the plea within the specified two-month timeframe, offering a potential resolution to the concerns raised by private bus operators.
By PTI
