MLC credits Shakti scheme for increase in devotees visiting Hasanamba Temple in Hassan

MLC and Vice-Chairman of the State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority Dinesh Gooligowda has credited the State government’s Shakti scheme for the rise in the number of devotees visiting the Hasanamba temple in Hassan. More than 30 lakh people visited the temple during the festival that concluded on Wednesday.

In a letter to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday, Mr. Gooligowda said the number of devotees had increased nearly five-fold in four years, from about 6 lakh in 2022 to more than 30 lakh in 2026. According to the figures cited in the letter, about 14.40 lakh devotees had darshan in 2023, 17.47 lakh in 2024 and 26.13 lakh in 2025.

The MLC said free bus travel for women had removed the burden of transport cost for many who earlier postponed visits to holy places. “The year-on-year increase in the number of devotees at the Hasanamba Jatra and the large-scale participation of women devotees is an example of the positive impact of Shakti Yojana. It is a matter of joy that this scheme of the State government, which has given priority to women’s convenience and empowerment, is bringing change in people’s lives,” he said.

He added that since the launch of the scheme, women had made 875.89 crore free trips, with the government bearing an expenditure of ₹23,202.22 crore. “These statistics are testimony to the contribution of this scheme, which has freed crores of women from the burden of transport cost,” he said, and congratulated the Chief Minister on the scheme.

Published - November 11, 2026 08:40 pm IST