Implementation of "Shakthi" scheme raises concerns among girl students in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Following the announcement of the "Shakthi" yojana by the Karnataka government, which provides free bus services for women across the state, students in Bengaluru have expressed concerns about decreased bus availability and overcrowding during peak hours.
The "Shakthi" Yojana, one of the five flagship guarantees promised by the Congress government, was inaugurated on Sunday, allowing women, including transgender, to travel for free in non-luxury and city buses operated by state government, throughout the state.
However, on the first day of its operation, several female students raised complaints about the reduction in bus services. They observed a larger than usual crowd at bus stands, causing delays and overcrowding. Neha Pradhan, a student at St. Paul's College, shared her experience, stating, "My friends and I noticed an unusually large crowd at the bus stand near Sapthagiri Engineering College. Despite waiting for 15 minutes, the bus did not arrive as it normally would with a frequency of two minutes. As a result, we had to take a private bus towards the 8th mile."
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Disha. P, another student from the same college who frequently travels from Kunigal to Bengaluru city, also faced similar challenges. She had to wait for long hours for the bus to arrive, and when it did, it was overcrowded. She said, "I saw women arrive in large numbers at Binnamangala and other areas."
Nithya, a student of MLaC College, shared a similar experience. She mentioned the difficulty of boarding buses due to the increased crowd, especially considering the presence of multiple women's colleges near the Malleshwaram vicinity.
When approached for comment, a BMTC bus conductor working on the BC-7B 8th Mile to Byadarahalli route, where students had complained of reduced services, stated that the bus services ran as usual on their route. However, he acknowledged witnessing a large number of women passengers on that day.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
