Bengaluru, June 21 -- The Karnataka government is preparing to introduce a smart card system for beneficiaries of the Shakti scheme, a move designed to tighten verification of free bus travel and prevent misuse of the programme by ineligible passengers, officials said on Sunday.

The proposal follows concerns within the government that free travel benefits have been claimed using fake Aadhaar cards and other incorrect documents, resulting in financial losses. The transport department is developing a verification mechanism that would require beneficiaries to obtain a dedicated smart card after establishing their eligibility.

Under the proposal, a Karnataka voter identity card is expected to become a key requirement for securing the smart ...