Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Clarifies on Shakti Scheme Continuation

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has confirmed that there will be no discontinuation of the state's guarantee schemes, including the Shakti scheme. Speaking at the KPCC office, he clarified that his previous comments were misinterpreted. He mentioned that some women working in IT and multinational companies expressed interest in paying for tickets due to receiving conveyance allowances from their employers. Shivakumar stated that he would discuss this with the Transport Minister but emphasized that the guarantee schemes would not be stopped.

He assured that none of the five guarantee schemes would be withdrawn and that they would continue for the next 3.5 years and potentially for another 5 years in the next Congress government term. Addressing concerns about women paying for tickets, he noted that transport employees would need government permission to collect fares, and any changes would be discussed with women who made suggestions.

In response to former Chief Minister Kumaraswamy's comments about the state going bankrupt due to these schemes, Shivakumar dismissed the claims, suggesting that Kumaraswamy was concerned about the schemes' success and potential impact on his party's popularity.