A groundbreaking independent survey on Karnataka’s Shakti scheme reveals truly remarkable results: over 91% of women beneficiaries reported a significant improvement in their financial standing. This transformative free bus travel initiative has allowed more than 80% of users to save up to ₹1,000 weekly on transportation, dramatically boosting their economic independence, freedom of movement, and job prospects throughout the state.
This comprehensive “Impact evaluation of the five guarantees of the government of Karnataka” was spearheaded by independent policy consultant Tara Krishnaswamy, in partnership with Lokniti–Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) and Indus Action Initiatives. The study meticulously analyzed the scheme’s effectiveness over a full year, providing invaluable insights into its real-world benefits.
Ms. Krishnaswamy shared details of the rigorous methodology, explaining that the research involved surveying 6,125 women who head households across 15 districts. Additionally, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted in five districts, ensuring a thorough examination of the program’s outcomes from a crucial gender perspective.
Notably, the Shakti scheme achieved the highest participation rate among all five government guarantees, with a staggering 96% of eligible women utilizing the service. “For countless families, these savings have directly strengthened household budgets,” Ms. Krishnaswamy highlighted. “Daily wage earners, especially, are now able to keep nearly one-third of their weekly earnings, a direct benefit of the free bus travel.”
The survey report conclusively states that Shakti has fundamentally transformed women’s access to vital areas like employment, education, and healthcare. An impressive 83% of women reported improved access to medical facilities, with a similar percentage noting stronger family ties due to increased visits to relatives and children. Furthermore, nearly 72% of participants expressed feeling more confident and empowered, and two-thirds now enjoy greater autonomy in their travel choices.
Across Karnataka, 19% of women beneficiaries attributed new or improved job opportunities directly to the Shakti scheme. Ms. Tara emphasized the profound impact in specific districts like Chikkamagaluru (44%), Bengaluru Urban (34%), and Kolar (28%), where free bus travel has enabled women to seek out higher-paying positions even if they are further from their homes.
Addressing the Hurdles Ahead
Despite its undeniable successes, the report also brings to light several areas needing attention. Key challenges include bus overcrowding and inadequate accessibility to bus stops. Over 80% of respondents found bus stops to be too far, and a similar number experienced significant delays due to packed buses.
To further enhance the scheme’s effectiveness, the report offers crucial recommendations: increasing the number and frequency of buses, expanding existing routes, and significantly improving accessibility, particularly in Bengaluru Rural, which currently shows the lowest usage rate at 86%. Additionally, the study suggests a rebranding effort to emphasize the scheme’s substantial socio-economic advantages, moving beyond any perception of it being merely a political handout.