Karnataka DCM Clarifies: Guarantee Schemes Here to Stay

Karnataka's Deputy CM DK Shivakumar reassured the public that the state's guarantee schemes, including Shakti, will continue. Misunderstandings arose when he mentioned that some women voluntarily wished to pay fares. Shivakumar emphasized discussions would follow but firmly stated no withdrawal of schemes would occur.

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, has addressed rumors about discontinuing key government guarantee schemes, including the Shakti initiative. Speaking at the KPCC office on Thursday, Shivakumar clarified that his comments were misinterpreted, asserting there are no plans to halt these programs.

The Deputy CM mentioned discussions with the Transport Minister after numerous economically empowered women in the IT and corporate sectors expressed a willingness to pay bus fares, as they receive travel allowances from employers. He stressed that the comments were suggestions, not indicative of stopping any scheme.

Despite concerns voiced by Kumaraswamy regarding the fiscal impact of these schemes, Shivakumar highlighted that these initiatives would remain throughout the Congress government's current term and beyond, ensuring that no one is forced to utilize benefits they do not desire.

(With inputs from agencies.)