Free bus rides and the unintended consequences it brings in Karnataka
there is nothing in this world that comes free, not even the air you breathe. everything is either borrowed (comes at a cost to others) or has its own attached cost. as we learnt: beg, borrow, steal.
As we delve through the Kali Yuga to lead our lives with integrity and whatever that remains of the highly held honesty, us humans being the humans we are sometimes, forget that our existence is the show of unformidable courage and harmony between the society that we live in. But what happens when the foundation of your beliefs is questioned by those who don’t share it? Something akin has happened in Karnataka when the current government (led by Sri. Siddaramaiah, INC) came to forefront and won the state elections held in May 2023.
One of the five poll promises of this government is now in action for anyone and everyone to watch. Called ‘Shakti Yojana’ (transl. Power Plan), it enables are the women (and transgenders) who reside at any address within Karnataka to travel for free in any government owned bus transport provided they have a valid proof of address such as Aadhaar card, etc1. It is a scheme meant to empower women, while facing eminent and teething troubles, is also shining mirror on the shades of human nature — while some women are benefitted, a few are bargaining for free luggage spaces2 given that they are now permitted to travel freely, and others are merrily hopping onto buses in groups thinking the ‘free offer’ may end.
Although the scheme does not apply to AC and luxury buses, it does have its own fair share of drawbacks, poor implementation, and troubles. To make it very clear, I do not blame anyone for this, and this article is nothing, but statistics mixed with opinions. It is up to the people to judge what is happening. I am just unwinding the trove of information, facts, and statistics so you can make an informed decision. You’re welcome to speculate, praise or criticise this piece of article.
The issues at the forefront
This scheme has many issues in its implementation and sustainability at large. Nevertheless, it is also very much prone to misuse by the beneficiaries. It is a step backwards (sort of) and implies a negative message also. Some people fail to see this in the excitement of free travel and the rush that it brings. Feminists will jump to support this scheme unknowing of the destruction that this brings - both cultural and financial. If more people read and understand this situation and take corrective actions, maybe we can save all the unintended effects that this imprudent scheme brings with itself.
Gender Discrimination
The first issue that produces with this scheme and it is a cultural disdain. I do understand that and support this idea of offering free rides to women. The intention behind this is well appreciated - to encourage more female population into labour structures. But the main drawback of this scheme is that it does not reflect well and certainly does not consider the reality of the society we inhabit. What about the perspective of young minds who are the onlookers of the injustice and discrimination between the two genders? Why did the government fail to consider that there exist low-income, daily wage male workers (like their counterpart) who may also need financial support, especially after the havoc of coronavirus. Do you think they rise to money beside their beds?
Besides, since every female of the state, in the state is entitled to free travel, I have strong reasons to believe that a significant part of them would contain students pursuing various level of education. Why does the planner of this idea think that a family of a male student will be very well-off financially and not be quite struggling to make the ends meet? I have seen single fathers who are daily wage labourers trying hard to make ends meet so that their son can have decent education and not fall in the same ditch. Did you ever imagine how priceless a smile be that would appear on that father’s face if he and the son had access to free travel (at least local) just like their counterparts — just might get a little easier to fund the son’s education.
Also, the big brain failed to understand that this would result in vast misuse across the state. Anything good also brings equivalent bad. They are just the two faces of the same coin. There are women who actually benefit from this (daily wage labourers, lower-income women, single mothers, etc) but there is scope for blatant misuse by women of upper class who are rich enough to afford BMW, iPhones, Gucci bags and of course pay a BMTC ticket. These people go to malls and shop for thousands so of course they’ll tell you that this scheme is beneficial. They would wander here and there. Why? Because it is FREE. Do they deserve this? I do not have an answer. Do they need it? I don’t think so. And then they would also fight for free baggage carry-in because they are entitled to free travel. Sorry but I do not agree with this kind of women empowerment. They’re not needy, not at all the ones who would have any real benefits from this.
Ripping the State Exchequer
Freebies will for sure sway the vote banks and the result of the election - be it state or national but they also come at a cost. The cost of taxpayers. Did you know that males also pay taxes? The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India is planning to consider the state of freebies and its effect during the elections and on the economy at large. On the very first day of this programme, approximately fifty-one lakhs of women travelled statewide forbidding the special buses which costed a whopping ₹1.40 crores to the state exchequer, just from 1 PM till midnight.
According to the transport department, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will incur an annual cost of Rs 1,563.60 crore, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) Rs 770.16 crore, Northwest Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) Rs 906.84 crore and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) Rs 810.96 crore because of the new scheme. The total expenditure thus incurred would add up to damning Rs, 4,051.56 crore. Average loss of RTCs is around the 200-crore mark but is likely to increase, all thanks to this. And then men are discriminated in a crucial sector like these.
The total outgo for the Shakti scheme is expected to exceed Rs 4,000 crore annually and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will have to add 4,028 buses to its fleet for the successful implementation of the scheme, according to a report submitted to the government by the transport department.
“It is not important how much we are spending, but on whom we are spending it on… There is no benefit if money is in a rich man’s pocket. But there are benefits (to the economy) if there is money in a poor man’s (pocket)… as it will enter the markets… Our goal is to put money in his pockets,” he said (Hon’ble CM of Karnataka).
But we all can clearly see where this is heading with respect to allowing *all* women to travel free and not just the eligible ones like educators, lower-income class, etc. This is how it seems for the time-being. Doesn’t that sound like waste of money. A massive drain hole on exchequer and blatant destruction of public funds.
Reservations? Uneven
Bengaluru is the heart of tech and innovation. The Silicon Valley of India. Aren’t we supposed to imbibe and be an example of gender and economic equality? Supposedly, we missed the mark. 50% of the seats are reserved for men only in the three RTCs, i.e. KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC. But that does not apply in BMTC, even given the fact that around 4,000 buses will be added. Anyways, there was reservation only for the ladies and it wasn’t without discrimination. I have seen men being thrown out and cursed upon for occupying the reserved-but-empty seats at the end of the reserved seats by the conductors but these very conductors being the most frozen ones when it came to ask ladies vacate the ends of men’s section. Why? Because they are afraid of slaps when performing their duty. Well done.
Possible rise of costs in long-term
Another issue that arises is when the scheme is run for five years, at some point of time it will be a problem in terms of financial crunch, because the state is said to be in loss right now at the time of writing. Which means the debts & expenses > revenue. To cover up the cost of this, there are chances that the government might increase the ticket prices for men. This will drastically affect students and workforce alike, while still allowing free (not to be confused with discounted) travel for women.
Smart Cards are confusing
For the time-being, women are being issued zero-value ticket that indicate that someone has travelled as a confirmation for the RTC to claim reimbursement from the government. Now, every eligible woman must apply via Seva Sindhu portal to get a smart card that would record their travel data like source, destination, distance travelled, bus details and time of travel which will help the RTC claim reimbursement from the government. Although so, it is still difficult to be implemented said that Bengalurians are still waiting for a BMTC bus app where they can track buses, take online tickets and lot more. Experts also tout the smartcard to be misused for obtaining personal data, etc.
“Smart cards also lead to a denial of service as it creates multiple points of failure and opportunities for exclusion. The online portal may have issues. If there are centres to submit applications, the staff may be unavailable, their system may have issues, long queues may form, requiring multiple visits which poor people cannot afford. It is difficult for women from poor households in villages or slums to access Seva Sindhu or even any centres like Karnataka One to get this card,” the forum (Bangalore Bus Prayaanikara Vedike) said in its memorandum.
Issues with reimbursement & private players woes
There is no guarantee that the government will provide timely reimbursements to the RTCs as it’s evident for any government service - there’s a usual delay that comes at a huge cost and losses. When you have losses, you delay the pay. Private bus operators also want a pie. In coastal Karnataka, 90% of the buses are operated by them and only 10% are government buses. They ask for a level playing field because some of the most popular routes, people will choose to go in government buses because it’s free. And the men would follow because they pay only their share of ticket, unlike in private buses. Not to mention but transportation sector is no different. It has also suffered losses since the pandemic hit right under the belt.
Fear, confusion, and dissent
For some, this has been a whole lot of confusion filled with fear. Some are travelling as many places as they can in groups - with friends, family and so on as they’re afraid when this scheme may end abruptly. Some are battling for free luggage and others are dissenting this plan. The unintended consequences of the free bus rides under the Shakti Yojana have brought both heartwarming and contentious situations to the forefront. While some individuals are offering their support to those in need, other incidents have revealed the challenges and misunderstandings arising from the policy.
Possible Solutions
To solve gender discrimination, give equal access to free rides. Make it free for the ones who need these benefits like students, teachers, senior citizens, contractual workers, daily wage workers and lower-middle-class people. Or just take a very minimal amount of fees from women.
Women can be charged Rs 10 to 20 for travelling the entire day. Let everything be recorded in the smartcard which they can pay for at the end of the month. Something is at least better than nothing. You won’t end ripping the exchequer this way at least.
I don’t understand why BMTC can’t reserve 50% for seats for men. I mean to say let the existing arrangement continue. My friend was travelling in bus today and a young lady was sitting on the seat meant for senior citizens. An old man got into the bus and requested her to vacate the seat. She did not (calling upon so-called feminists to ask what this is). He was very old man, weak and could hardly get around. Neither did that undeserving lady give her seat but instead started arguing. The bus conductor when asked to intervene said that he was scared and denied help saying that he is afraid that she might file a case of harassment. Later a young man gave up his seat to that man. This is how quality men are. Why do you need conductors then if they fail to do their job, now that they have very less to do.
Generate enough revenue to keep the freebies running or end them as soon as the state cannot afford instead of piling on debts. The State's outstanding liabilities (debt), as of March 2023, were recorded at a staggering Rs. 5.35 lakh crore, up from Rs. 2.46 lakh crore in 2018, according to State Budgets data collated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Have got any ideas? Please let me know at golimitless@substack.com.
Instead of smartcards, zero-value tickets can be used. It is accessible to everyone and anyone and there won’t be any hurdles. Delhi is a good example of this. It would be much easier, and you don’t have to spend on training and development of personnels in this regard or the making of the smartcards.
“This commitment must be in an institutional manner and not as an ad hoc release of funds. The fund transfer must happen immediately for the current financial year and at the beginning of the financial year in subsequent years,” the memorandum stated.
Fear and chaos are something that can only be solved from within. Introspect yourself and the situation. There will be a silver lining always. Embrace it for the good.
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A valid ID proof is required to be shown only until the next few months until a Shakti smartcard is issued by the transport department to all the women. The government will then reimburse the cost based upon the kilometres travelled.
Large amount of luggage that takes considerable amount of space in the bus (like vessels, TVs, manure, etc) are charged extra in addition to the issued ticket for the traveller.