Karnataka’s five welfare guarantee schemes have gained national recognition as exemplary social programmes. These schemes provide direct financial and in-kind support to millions of beneficiaries across the state. They aim to uplift weaker communities and improve living standards. The state government has invested heavily to ensure wide coverage and tangible benefits.
Overview of Karnataka’s Guarantee Schemes
Karnataka runs five key welfare schemes targeting various social needs. These include financial aid, food security, free travel, electricity subsidies, and youth support. Together, they assist families in managing education, health, and daily expenses. The schemes serve people from all sections, especially vulnerable groups.
Financial Support to Families
Each beneficiary family receives ₹4,500 to ₹5,000 monthly. This amount aids children’s education and medical care. It also empowers women to become self-reliant. The state has spent ₹94,000 crore on these schemes, with Mandya district alone receiving ₹3,200 crore.
Key Schemes and Their Impact
The Gruha Lakshmi scheme supports 4.64 lakh beneficiaries with ₹1,419.52 crore disbursed by June. The Anna Bhagya scheme provides food security to 73.5 lakh people. Instead of cash, beneficiaries receive 5 kg rice plus 2 kg additional rice and 3 kg ragi monthly. The Shakti scheme offers free travel for women, with 1.95 lakh women travelling daily in Mandya. This has increased KSRTC revenue by ₹424 crore. The Gruha Jyothi scheme grants free electricity to 4.93 lakh consumers. It has supplied 46.84 crore units, with ₹408 crore paid to CESC. The Yuvanidhi scheme supports youth entrepreneurship. Over 6,800 young people registered, and nearly 5,942 received ₹13.68 crore by June. Payments for July are in progress.
Community Welfare and Future Plans
Beneficiaries are using the guarantee funds for community welfare activities. The government plans to recognise such contributors soon. District officials, elected representatives, and committee members actively monitor scheme progress and ensure transparency.
Questions for UPSC:
- Taking example of Karnataka’s welfare schemes, discuss the role of direct benefit transfers in inclusive development and poverty alleviation in India.
- Examine the impact of food security programmes like Anna Bhagya on rural health and nutrition. How can such schemes be improved?
- Analyse the significance of free public transport schemes for women’s empowerment and economic participation in India.
- Discuss in the light of youth entrepreneurship schemes, the challenges and opportunities in promoting self-employment among Indian youth.
