Shakti Scheme misuse: Out-of-state women exploit free bus travel

Cases emerge of women from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu using fake or out-of-state Aadhaar cards to avail Karnataka’s Shakti scheme benefits.

Karnataka’s Shakti scheme, designed to provide free bus travel for state residents, has recently come under scrutiny following reports of misuse by out-of-state women. In multiple incidents, women from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu were found using fake or locally printed Kannada Aadhaar cards to avail free rides intended solely for Karnataka residents.

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The misuse was first noted in Electronic City, where bus conductors observed passengers presenting Aadhaar cards claiming eligibility for the Shakti scheme. Due to rush and ticket distribution pressure, conductors often verify only the front of the Aadhaar card and the Kannada print, neglecting full address verification. This has allowed non-local individuals to exploit the system for free travel.

In some cases, these passengers were reported to have obtained fake Aadhaar cards printed in Kannada to bypass eligibility rules. The incidents reveal a loophole in enforcement, raising concerns about the scheme’s integrity. Conductors documented these cases, including videos shared for reporting purposes, highlighting the need for stricter verification at the point of boarding.

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Officials have urged vigilance among transport staff and recommended additional checks to ensure only eligible Karnataka residents benefit from the scheme. The Shakti program, while intended to support women within the state, now faces challenges in maintaining its focus and preventing abuse.

The authorities are expected to respond soon with measures to safeguard the scheme, ensuring its benefits reach genuine beneficiaries.