Karnataka’s Shakti scheme boosted economic independence, mobility and employment of women across State, finds survey

More than 91% of respondents said the Shakti scheme improved their financial situation, with over 80% saving up to ₹1,000 a week on commuting costs, according to an independent survey of the Karnataka government’s Shakti free bus travel scheme for women. The report highlights the transformative impact of the initiative on women’s economic independence, mobility, and employment across the State.

The “Impact evaluation of the five guarantees of the government of Karnataka”, conducted by independent policy consultant Tara Krishnaswamy in collaboration with Lokniti–Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) and Indus Action Initiatives, assessed the effectiveness of the scheme over a year.

According to Ms. Krishnaswamy, the study surveyed 6,125 women heads of households across 15 districts and held in-depth qualitative interviews in five districts, examining the programme’s outcomes through a gender lens.

The report found that the Shakti scheme recorded the highest saturation level among all five guarantees, with 96% of women beneficiaries having used the service. “For many, the savings have directly boosted household finances. Daily wage earners, in particular, were found to save almost one-third of their weekly earnings thanks to free travel,” she added.

According to survey report, Shakti has redefined women’s access to employment, education, and healthcare. About 83% of women said they could now access better medical facilities, while an equal proportion reported improved family relationships as they were able to visit relatives and children more frequently. Nearly 72% of respondents said they felt more confident and empowered, and two-thirds reported greater independence in travel decisions.

19% of respondents across Karnataka said they gained new or better jobs due to Shakti. “The impact is particularly striking in districts such as Chikkamagaluru (44%), Bengaluru Urban (34%), and Kolar (28%), where women said free bus travel allowed them to pursue better-paying jobs farther from home,” Ms. Tara said.

Challenges

Despite its success, the report identifies challenges such as overcrowding and poor accessibility to bus stops. Over 80% of respondents said stops were too far, and nearly the same number reported delays caused by overcrowded buses.

The report recommends increasing the number and frequency of buses, expanding routes, and improving accessibility, especially in Bengaluru Rural, which recorded the lowest usage at 86%. It calls for rebranding the scheme to highlight its socio-economic benefits rather than viewing it as a political freebie.