Guarantee schemes empower women, boost State economy, says Madhu Bangarappa

The five guarantee schemes implemented by the Congress government in Karnataka have strengthened beneficiaries financially and thereby boosted economic activity in the State, increasing the returns to the government in the form of taxes, said Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa.

Speaking after inaugurating a workshop on the guarantee schemes which was jointly organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, and several departments in Shivamogga on January 21, the Minister said the schemes were planned with the objective of empowering women and bringing poor persons into the mainstream. The Shakti and Gruha Lakshmi schemes have made women independent, he explained, adding that they need not depend on male family members for their travel or expenses. The earnings at several temples also rose thanks to the Shakti scheme, under which women can travel by bus for free.

The Minister said that in the last two years, through the guarantee schemes, ₹1.13 lakh crore has reached the people directly. Of that, in Shivamogga alone, ₹3,023.95 crore reached beneficiaries.

Karnataka State Guarantees Implementation Authority chairperson H.M. Revanna said that the government implemented the guarantee schemes in line with the principle of ‘equal opportunity for all and equal share for all’. The results of the guarantee schemes can be seen in the State Gross Domestic Product. The government has not suffered any loss owing to the schemes, he noted.

H.V. Vasu, a social activist, while delivering a talk on the impact of the guarantee schemes, said that many noted economists had favoured schemes under which common people receive money. Such programmes contribute towards the growth of the State, he stated, adding, “The schemes have improved the purchasing power of the common people. Financial independence has helped people lead their lives with dignity and self-respect.”

A few beneficiaries shared their opinion on the schemes at the programme. Kusuma of Gadikoppa in Shivamogga said that Anna Bhagya, under which beneficiaries get 10 kg of rice, helped her family. She appealed to the government to include ragi as well in the Public Distribution System. Shalini from Bhadravathi said that she had benefited from the Shakti scheme, as she is now able to travel to many places for free.

Amrutha of Gopala in Shivamogga said that she purchased a sewing machine using the money she got under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme and contributed to the family’s income. Renukamma of Kappagalale in Sorab taluk said that she purchased sheep with the money she received under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme and also spent a portion of it for her daughter’s marriage.

Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority vice-chairpersons Dinesh Guli Gowda and Pushpa Amaranath, legislators S.N. Channabasappa, Balkhees Banu, District Central Co-operative Bank president R.M. Manjunath Gowda, and others participated.

Earlier, the beneficiaries took out a procession from Gopi Circle to Kuvempu Ranga Mandira, where the programme was held.