Free bus travel for women in Karnataka after cabinet meeting on June 1: Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy

When asked about conditions, if any, for free bus services to women, Mr. Reddy said, “All will be decided in the Cabinet meeting (on May 31)”

Officials of State-run RTCs were told to submit a report regarding implementation of free bus travel for women passengers, on May 30, 2023. | Photo Credit: SOMASHEKARA GRN

The much-awaited free travel for women in ordinary buses — one of the promises of the Congress — will be implemented after the cabinet meeting on June 1, according to Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy.

On May 30, he met officials of the four State-run road transport corporations (RTCs) — BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC — in Bengaluru.

Later, Mr. Reddy informed reporters, “A report from the officials, regarding the scheme, will be submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on May 31. On June 1, in the Cabinet meeting, a decision will be taken. The principal secretary of the transport department has been asked to prepare a report.” ”

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy addressing officials regarding free bus pass for women, at KSRTC head office, in Bengaluru on May 30, 2023. | Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K.

When asked about conditions, if any, for free bus services to women, Mr. Reddy said, “All will be decided in the Cabinet meeting.”

At the first meeting of the Cabinet of the newly-formed government in Karnataka on May 20, a decision was taken to implement the five guarantees promised to voters in the poll manifesto of the Congress party.

Mr. Siddaramaiah had earlier said details of implementation of these schemes would be worked out during the next Cabinet meeting. The departments concerned have been told to issue orders for implementation of these schemes.

A Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) official, who participated in the meeting, told The Hindu that the Minister had taken all details, including revenue and condition of bus fleet. They also discussed how the corporations can offer free bus service to women passengers in Karnataka.

The Congress party had guaranteed five schemes, which includes, Shakti - free travel for women in ordinary public transport buses across Karnataka, Gruha Jyothi - 200 units free electricity per month to every household, Gruha Lakshmi — ₹2,000 every month to every women head of a family, Anna Bhagya — to distribute 10kg of rice every month to every member of BPL family, Yuva Nidhi — ₹ 3,000 a month to unemployed graduates, ₹1,500 to unemployed diploma holders every month for two years (in the 18-25 age-group).