<p>Private bus, cab, maxicab and auto-rickshaw drivers have called for a Bengaluru bandh on July 27 in protest against the free travel scheme for women. </p>.<p>The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations told reporters on Thursday that its members were suffering because of the Shakti scheme. </p>.<p>Launched on June 11, the Shakti scheme allows women domiciled in Karnataka to travel for free on all non-premium government buses plying within the state. The scheme has been successful. A total of 22.65 crore women used the facility until July 19 at a cost of Rs 538.9 crore. </p>.<p>The federation, which represents 23 organisations, said it had submitted a memorandum to the government, giving a week to fulfil its demands or else it would call for a Bengaluru bandh on July 27. </p>.<p>The federation said it would go ahead with the bandh next Thursday because the government didn't respond positively. </p>
<p>Private bus, cab, maxicab and auto-rickshaw drivers have called for a Bengaluru bandh on July 27 in protest against the free travel scheme for women. </p>.<p>The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations told reporters on Thursday that its members were suffering because of the Shakti scheme. </p>.<p>Launched on June 11, the Shakti scheme allows women domiciled in Karnataka to travel for free on all non-premium government buses plying within the state. The scheme has been successful. A total of 22.65 crore women used the facility until July 19 at a cost of Rs 538.9 crore. </p>.<p>The federation, which represents 23 organisations, said it had submitted a memorandum to the government, giving a week to fulfil its demands or else it would call for a Bengaluru bandh on July 27. </p>.<p>The federation said it would go ahead with the bandh next Thursday because the government didn't respond positively. </p>