DK Shivakumar signals free travel for Karnataka Public School boys, transport minister says it’s just a proposal | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: Will the Shakti scheme, which facilitates free bus travel for women, be extended to male passengers?An announcement made by deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has sparked speculation over the possibility of free bus travel for boys. On Friday, the DCM took to social media to announce that kids studying in Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), from LKG to pre-university level, would be provided free bus travel. He stated the move is aimed at empowering govt schools and offering financial support to students from poor families. However, transport minister Ramalinga Reddy maintained it is just a proposal, and free bus travel for boys will be implemented only if the govt agrees to reimburse the cost of providing the facility. “It is just a proposal made by the DCM. The road transport corporations haven’t received any formal instructions in this regard. Any govt scheme requires approval from the state cabinet. Before that, the departments concerned, including the finance department, must agree after reviewing the financial implications,” he explained.The state has 308 Karnataka Public Schools, gaining popularity because English is the medium of instruction.In the past two years, the four RTCs — KSRTC, BMTC, KKRTC, and NWKRTC — have issued 497 crore tickets to women availing free bus travel under the Shakti scheme. The corporations spent over Rs 12,593 crore to provide the free service.For male students, RTCs have been issuing concessional bus passes with a nominal processing fee. More than 23 lakh student bus passes have been issued in Bengaluru.Meanwhile, Shivakumar’s announcement on KPS students has evoked mixed reactions, with many arguing the benefit should be extended to all boys, including those studying in private as well as other govt-run schools and colleges. Others suggest the govt should prioritise improving infrastructure in govt schools and filling vacant teacher posts first.