Bengaluru, June 3 -- Taking swift and decisive action immediately after assuming office, Newly-sworn-in Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday announced that bus passes will be provided free of cost to "all school and college students" across the state.

During his maiden cabinet briefing, Shivakumar said that many questioned why the free transport was limited to girls, which is why this expansion was announced. He said that students would have to apply for this pass after it is rolled out.

"This is the youth era. Students were asking why there is a free bus just for girls. We are giving passes to all students - a free bus pass without any charge. A bus pass is free for all school and college students. This is the first deci...