Yadgir
Allegations of non-acceptance of digital Aadhaar documents have sparked criticism in Yadgir district, with women passengers claiming difficulties while availing benefits under the State government’s Shakti Scheme Karnataka.
The issue revolves around the use of DigiLocker, a government-supported digital platform that stores official documents such as Aadhaar cards in electronic form. Under the scheme guidelines, women are allowed free bus travel upon presenting valid identification, including digital Aadhaar. However, commuters allege that some bus conductors are refusing to accept these digital documents.
In one reported incident, women passengers from Saidapur travelling on a KSRTC bus faced inconvenience when the conductor allegedly refused to accept Aadhaar shown via DigiLocker on mobile phones. The passengers had misplaced their physical Aadhaar cards and attempted to use the digital version instead. They further alleged that they were asked to deboard the bus before intervention by fellow passengers helped them continue the journey.
Women commuters claim such incidents are not isolated and occur frequently, with conductors sometimes citing reasons such as lack of seats or insisting on physical documents, thereby denying scheme benefits.
KSRTC officials have been urged to issue clear instructions to staff regarding acceptance of digital identity proofs and proper implementation of the scheme. Passengers have also demanded visible guidelines inside buses and a grievance mechanism to report misconduct.
Women’s rights representatives have criticised the inconsistent implementation, stating that rural women dependent on public transport are facing repeated inconvenience. They have called for strict action against staff who violate rules and undermine the intent of the welfare scheme.
