India, July 12 -- A recent announcement by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has stirred speculation over whether the state's flagship Shakti scheme, which currently offers free bus rides to women, could be extended to include male students as well.

On Friday, DK Shivakumar posted on social media that students enrolled in Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), from LKG up to pre-university level, would be eligible for free bus travel. He said the initiative is intended to support government school students from economically weaker backgrounds and to strengthen public education in the state.

(Also Read: Leopard found dead in Karnataka's BRT reserve, suspected poisoning triggers probe)

However, the proposal is far from final. Accord...