Welfare Or Financial Strain? Karnataka’s Shakti Yojana Sparks Row Over Rs 4,220 Crore Pending Dues

A political face-off has intensified in Karnataka over the financial impact of the state’s popular Shakti Yojana. While the scheme promises free bus travel for women and has been widely projected as a welfare milestone, fresh allegations from the opposition claim it has left state-run transport corporations struggling under massive unpaid dues. The controversy has now triggered a sharp debate over whether social welfare commitments are being balanced with the financial health of public transport systems.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the Congress government in Karnataka over the implementation of the Shakti Yojana, claiming the scheme has placed a heavy financial burden on state-run transport corporations. The party alleged

that unpaid reimbursements under the free travel scheme have accumulated to Rs 4,220.63 crore over the past three financial years.

Addressing a press conference, BJP leader Narayana Swamy presented documents detailing the outstanding payments owed to transport corporations under the scheme. According to the data shared, the pending dues include Rs 1,180.62 crore for the financial year 2023–24, Rs 1,170.46 crore for 2024–25, and a projected Rs 1,869.56 crore for 2025–26. The cumulative dues have now reached Rs 4,220.63 crore.

The BJP alleged that the scheme, which offers free bus travel to women, has weakened the financial stability of transport corporations. Party leaders claimed that the government’s focus on welfare measures has affected the operational strength of public transport services. They further argued that the financial strain could impact the corporations’ ability to maintain services and infrastructure for commuters.

The party also criticised what it described as the government’s emphasis on political benefits, stating that the concept of providing free services has resulted in increasing financial liabilities for transport bodies.

Responding to the allegations, government officials maintained that the Shakti Yojana has benefited a large number of women commuters across the state. Officials also stated that the administration has saved hundreds of crores for transport corporations over the last three years, asserting that the scheme has provided financial support rather than causing damage.

The issue has intensified the political debate in Karnataka over balancing welfare schemes with financial sustainability. While the state government continues to defend the Shakti Yojana as a social welfare initiative, the opposition has raised concerns about its long-term economic impact on public transport operations.