Karnataka govt's guarantee schemes ease financial burden, empower women: Study
Bengaluru: A year-long independent study has found that the Karnataka government’s five guarantee schemes have significantly empowered women, particularly from low-income households, by easing financial stress and improving household well-being.
The survey, led by independent policy consultant Tara Krishnaswamy in collaboration with Lokniti-CSDS, Bangalore University, Tumkur University, and Indus Action, covered approximately 6,300 women across 15 districts in Karnataka. According to the study, as cited by The Hindu, 84% of respondents reported that the schemes reduced their families’ financial burden, while 89% felt that the guarantees contributed to their financial upliftment.
Improved nutrition, health, and independence
The study highlights how beneficiaries are utilising the monetary benefits and savings from the schemes. Around 91% of respondents said they used the funds to purchase food and dietary essentials such as grains, vegetables, fruits, pulses, eggs, and meat.
Nearly 95% of the women stated that their families ingested better nutrition and improved diets due to the benefits, while 90% reported increased access to healthcare.
Additionally, over 80% of women noted improvements in their personal health, nutrition, and financial security. More than 50% of respondents also indicated they had resumed or continued their education due to the support received.
Economic and social empowerment
According to the study, the direct benefit of Rs 2,000 per month through the Gruha Lakshmi scheme played a key role, while additional savings came from Gruha Jyoti, which helped over 90% of women save up to Rs 1,000 per month on electricity bills. The Shakti scheme enabled up to Rs 1,000 in weekly savings. Notably, 27% of respondents reported using savings from the five guarantees to repay loans.
The Shakti scheme also contributed to greater mobility and independence, with 67% of women travelling independently for work or leisure. About 19% were able to secure new or better-paying jobs due to free transportation.
Other guarantees also made an impact: Anna Bhagya improved household diets, Gruha Jyoti reduced electricity costs for 82% of families, and Yuva Nidhi supported skill development among unemployed youth, though the latter had a limited reach, benefiting just 7% of respondents.
“These schemes are a social safety net. The money is not sitting idle somewhere. Whether it is money received through Gruha Lakshmi or any savings that they have because of these schemes, it is all being spent mainly on food, nutrition and health,” The Hindu quoted Krishnaswamy as saying.
Challenges and recommendations
Despite the positive outcomes, the study also identified several challenges, including delays in benefit distribution, administrative hurdles, and technological barriers. It noted that many women beneficiaries have only basic education (up to the 10th standard or less) and often struggle with mobile apps, portals, ATMs, or even reading electricity bills.
The study recommends boosting financial and digital literacy through local panchayats to help bridge these gaps.
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Man beaten to death by unidentified people for stealing cattle in Jharkhand's Godda
Godda (PTI): A man was beaten to death allegedly for stealing cattle in Jharkhand's Godda district, a police officer said on Thursday.
The 45-year-old man identified as Pappu Ansari was a resident of Ranipur village under Pathargama police station limit of the district, the police officer said.
The incident occurred in Matihani village under Poraiyahat police station limit on Wednesday night. Ansari was beaten to death by unidentified persons over stealing cattle.
Confirming the incident, Deputy Superintendent of Police J P N Chaudhary said the victim had a criminal record and had been to jail in several occasions in the past.
An investigation was underway to ascertain how the incident took place, the persons involved in the crime, the DySP said.
More details would be provided only after the investigation, Chaudary added.
