The survey found that both the female labor force participation rate and female worker participation rate have increased in Karnataka after the implementation of the scheme.
Since its implementation, the state government’s Shakti scheme (free travel for women) has become a positive catalyst for women’s empowerment and economic contribution, according to a survey.
The survey found that both the female labor force participation rate and female worker participation rate have increased in Karnataka after the implementation of the scheme.
The survey was conducted by the Fiscal Policy Institute (by research fellow Anusha Sangondimath), Fare-Free Public Transit and Women’s Economic Participation (Just Job Network) and Shakthi Guarantee Scheme Survey (M2M Media Network) on the initiation taken by Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.
The agencies questioned 25,925 persons in 112 Assembly constituencies on various aspects with regard to the scheme from September 20, 2024, to October 15, 2024. The report was made available to Express on Monday.
The report found that the female labor force participation, which was 25.3 % before the Shakthi scheme, increased to 30.2% on the date of the survey. Similarly, the worker participation rate, which was 27.6 % prior to the scheme, increased to 28.8 %. As many as 64.43 % of the respondents felt that the free travel facility in government buses in Karnataka is a good initiative taken by the government, and 55.27 % of the women said that before implementation of the scheme, they used to travel in private buses and now they have shifted to government buses.
The survey revealed that 57.45 % women said the introduction of the scheme has helped them save money that they can now use for other purposes. As many as 48.33% respondents felt that the benefit of free travel given to women has helped the entire household. Interestingly, the survey found that a number of women took to traveling unnecessarily after the implementation of the scheme.
In conclusion, the report felt that women’s positive perception of the scheme has grown over time. The approval rate has increased from 57% to 64% . Women’s altered transportation habits rose from 80% to 85 %, contingent on government bus availability. Daily usage surged from 20% to 27% and weekly usage declined slightly from 46% to 38%. Men’s belief that the scheme led to unnecessary travel reduced marginally from 72% to 71%.
The scheme has enabled better access to medical care and education for the family members of women, and it has enabled them to have more disposable income, the survey has found. The survey also said that the scheme is perceived as a positive catalyst for women’s empowerment and economic contribution with 73% of the surveyed women feeling that the scheme has encouraged them to travel, search for jobs and contribute to the country’s economy.
The report noted that the scheme generates a considerable amount of GST from the amount saved on conveyance, which is the revenue for the government.
With an increase in traffic revenue, bus corporations are moving towards achieving self-sufficiency in their operations and the government’s burden on providing subsidies to RTCs is also reduced. As the scheme becomes mature, more social benefits can be seen, and increased female visibility in public places and participation in social and economic activities, the survey said.
The report suggested that the government release the balance amount under the scheme to the corporations. The scheme has contributed 2.55% to Karnataka’s SGST collection in 2023-24.
Article Credit: newindianexpress