Karnataka women can travel up to 20 km inside border states free of cost in buses under 'Shakti' scheme: Siddaramaiah

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said women can travel free of cost in all KSRTC buses including express buses from 1 pm on Sunday as the COngress launches one of their five guarantees, the Shakti scheme near Vidhana Souda at 11 am on Sunday.

"If people want to travel from Bellary to Andhra Pradesh, the cost would be exempted as it is just 20 km from there. But if someone wants to go Tirupati, they can go upto only Mulbagal and pay money to reach Tirupati from there," Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said. The Karnataka Chief Minister was speaking to media persons on his arrival at the helipad at JSS residential school of Suttur, Nanjangud taluk, Mysuru district on Saturday.

Sources, meanwhile, have said that this exemption of cost upto 20 km for those travelling out of state is applicable in other states as well.

The Shakti scheme will be launched simultaneously in all district head quarters and constituency centres, Siddaramaiah said.

Also Read: Karnataka: What poll guarantees tell us about the state of the economy

He said, "The Gruha Jyothi is likely to be launched in Gulbarga on July 1. In order to prevent misuse of the scheme, we are considering the average number of units utilised in a year by a household and exempting charges of 10% extra units excess used by them up to 199 units. We don't lie and cheat people like the BJP. Anna Bhagya scheme is likely to be launched in Mysuru district on July 1. Gruha lakshmi is likely to be launched in Belagavi on August 16. Graduates who don't have a job for up to six months after completion of their graduation in 2022-23 would be given funds under Yuva Nidhi for 24 months until they get a job. Action would be initiated against misuse of the scheme with false declarations," he said.

Regarding preparations for the South West Monsoon, Siddaramaiah said that he would be holding a meeting in this regard with officials related to both rural and urban areas on Monday. A video conference would also be held with Deputy Commissioners of districts which are facing water crisis.

On getting the remaining state's share of GST from the Central Government, he said: "We would urge the Central Government to release all the benefits that the state should get rightfully."

On BJP leaders urging for investigation related to the 40% allegations and PSI scam, he said: "Investigations on the PSI scam is under way. We don't have to initiate investigations based on any one's saying. We will do it on our own," he said.

On revision of electricity tariff, Siddaramaiah said: "Like every year the electricity regulatory commission has revised electricity tariff in March when BJP was in power. Since the model code of conduct was declared that revision has come to effect from June 1. BJP leaders are opposing it for opposing sake."

On his first visit to his hometown after becoming CM he said, "This is not the first time I am becoming CM or a minister. There is no change for me. I will be the same if I am an MLA or a minister or without any power."

About getting taluk status to Varuna constituency, he said, "I would do it if people demand for it. I campaigned in Varuna for three days, none asked for it."

About the state Health Department stopping the third dose of Covid-19 vaccination with no stock since they haven't got it from the Central Government, he said that he was not aware of it and that he would look into it.