Smart Card ಉಚಿತ ಬಸ್ ಪ್ರಯಾಣಕ್ಕೆ ಇನ್ಮುಂದೆ ‘ಸ್ಮಾರ್ಟ್ ಕಾರ್ಡ್’ ಕಡ್ಡಾಯ.!

🔴 Breaking News: Major Change in Shakti Scheme Free Bus Travel – “Smart Card” to Become Mandatory?

Women of Karnataka, please take note! The days of hurriedly searching for your Aadhaar card in your purse when the bus conductor asks for identity may soon come to an end. The Karnataka government is planning a major upgrade to the Shakti Scheme, under which women travel free on government buses.

After more than two years of allowing free travel by simply showing an identity card, the government is now preparing to introduce an official Smart Card system exclusively for women beneficiaries of the scheme. This proposal is currently awaiting approval from the state cabinet.

🚍 Background of the Shakti Scheme

Launched in 2023, the Shakti Scheme is one of the flagship welfare initiatives of the Karnataka government aimed at empowering women. The primary objectives of the scheme are to:

• Reduce daily travel expenses for women
• Encourage education and employment
• Ensure safe and accessible public transportation

Under this scheme:

• All women residents of Karnataka
• Can travel free of cost
• On KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC buses
• For travel within the state

This initiative has significantly reduced financial burdens for lakhs of women across Karnataka.

🤔 Problems With the Existing Aadhaar-Based System

Currently, women must show their Aadhaar card or another valid identity proof to avail free travel. However, this system has led to several challenges:

• ❌ Ineligible passengers misusing the benefit
• ❌ Confusion when Aadhaar cards are forgotten or damaged
• ❌ Difficulty for conductors to verify eligibility
• ❌ Possibility of fake or borrowed ID cards

To eliminate these issues and make the system more efficient, the transport department has proposed the Smart Card-based ticketing system.

💳 What Is the Shakti Smart Card?

The proposed Shakti Smart Card will be an official government-issued card specifically for women eligible under the Shakti Scheme. It will contain digitally stored beneficiary details.

How it works:

• The passenger taps the Smart Card on the conductor’s handheld ticketing machine
• The ticket is generated instantly
• No paper ticket or manual verification required

This will make the process faster, paperless, and fully digital.

🎯 Objectives of Introducing the Smart Card

The government aims to achieve the following through this system:

• ✔️ Ensure only eligible women receive free travel benefits
• ✔️ Prevent misuse and fraud
• ✔️ Maintain accurate travel data
• ✔️ Reduce workload and confusion for conductors
• ✔️ Improve transparency in scheme implementation

📝 How to Apply for the Shakti Smart Card?

Once the state cabinet gives approval, the application process is expected to begin shortly.

🔹 Application Process

• Applications will be accepted online through the Seva Sindhu portal
• Applicants must enter personal details such as name, address, Aadhaar number, and mobile number
• Submitted documents will be verified digitally

🔹 Card Distribution

• Cards may be distributed at:
  • Nearby bus stands
  • Designated government service centers
  • Selected urban and rural facilitation centers

📄 Required Documents

Applicants will likely need the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• Passport-size photograph
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar

📊 Key Information Table

💰 Will There Be Any Fee for the Smart Card?

As of now, the government has not issued an official order regarding the cost of the Smart Card.

Possible options include:

• Completely free of cost
• A nominal fee (₹10–₹20) for card issuance

Final clarity will be provided only after the official government notification.

⚠️ Important Advice for Women Beneficiaries

• Ensure your mobile number is linked with your Aadhaar card
• Keep your Seva Sindhu login credentials ready
• Avoid applying on the very first day to prevent server issues
• Prefer applying after 9 PM or before 7 AM for smoother access

Apply Link

🔚 Conclusion

The introduction of the Smart Card under the Shakti Scheme is expected to make free bus travel for women more secure, transparent, and efficient. This move aligns with Karnataka’s push towards digital governance and welfare delivery. While awaiting the official announcement, beneficiaries are advised to prepare the required documents in advance.