In Karnataka, four bus corporations (namely, KSRTC, BMTC, NEKRTC and NWKRTC) are offering free rides for women in their buses. This is part of the Siddaramaiah government's Shakti Scheme.
However, if some Netizens are to be believed, the scheme is bearing negative consequences. In a viral video clip shared by a Union Minister, two school-going girls are seen crying because they have been finding it extremely hard to find space inside buses due to the heavy rush ever since the scheme was introduced. Women using bus rides has gone up by 23% in the last couple of weeks. Recreational rides are on the rise, leaving many commuters like school-goers at a disadvantage.
In another viral video, an autorickshaw driver is in tears saying that his earnings have fallen drastically after the free ride scheme came into force. While any welfare scheme will put some sections at a disadvantage, auto drivers and captains working for Ola, Uber and Rapido services might turn anti-incumbent if their incomes take a bad hit in the years to come.
"The guarantee without warranty Congress government has reduced the state of Karnataka to a joke. Be in the shock of electricity, crowded free bus travel & free rice in a mess, the administration seems to be collapsing with every passing day. The mockery of governance is at its peak (sic)," tweeted Vijayendra Yeddyurappa, the BJP state VP.
While BJP is trying to portray the free bus ride scheme as a failure, a majority of women are satisfied with the scheme. They are saving thousands per month in Bengaluru, for example. It is least likely that they will have a problem with such a beneficial scheme. They will spend the money saved towards other expenses.
https://twitter.com/ZavierIndia/status/1672884663432650753
