School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, Karnataka Guarantee Implementation Authority Chairman HM Revanna and others at a workshop on guarantee schemes held in Shivamogga on January 21. Photo credit: SK Dinesh
The five guarantee schemes introduced by the Congress government in Karnataka have financially empowered the beneficiaries, thereby boosting economic activity in the state and increasing revenue to the government in the form of taxes, School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said.
Inaugurating a workshop on guarantee schemes jointly organized by the district administration, zilla panchayat and several departments at Shivamogga on January 21, the minister said these schemes were planned to empower women and bring the poor people into the mainstream. The Shakti and Gruha Lakshmi programs have made women independent, he explained, adding that they do not have to depend on male family members for their travel or expenses. Earnings in several temples have also increased due to the Shakti scheme, under which women can travel by bus for free.
The Minister said that in the last two years, ₹ 1.13 crore has been directly reached to the people through the guarantee schemes. Of this, ₹3,023.95 crore reached the beneficiaries in Shivamogga alone.
Karnataka State Guarantee Implementation Authority Chairperson HM Revanna said the government has introduced guarantee schemes in line with the principle of ‘equal opportunity for all and equal share for all’. The results of the guarantee programs can be seen in the country’s gross domestic product. He said the government had not suffered any loss due to the schemes.
Speaking on the impact of guarantee schemes, HV Vasu, a social activist, said that many well-known economists favored schemes under which common people received money. Such programs contribute to the growth of the state, he said, adding, “The programs have improved the purchasing power of the common people. Financial independence has helped people lead their lives with dignity and self-respect.”
Several recipients shared their thoughts on the modes in the program. Kusuma of Gadikoppa in Shivamogga said Anna Bhagya, under which beneficiaries get 10 kg of rice, has helped her family. She appealed to the government to include ragi in the public distribution system. Shalini from Bhadravathi said she has benefited from the Shakti program as she can now travel to many places for free.
Amrutha from Gopala in Shivamogga said she bought a sewing machine with the money she received under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme and contributed to the family’s income. Renukamma of Kappagalala in Sorab taluk said she bought sheep with the money she got under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme and also spent some of it on her daughter’s marriage.
Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority Vice-Chairmen Dinesh Guli Gowda and Pushpa Amaranath, Legislators SN Channabasappa, Balkhees Banu, District Central Cooperative Bank President RM Manjunath Gowda and others attended.
Earlier, the recipients took a procession from Gopi circle to Kuvempu Ranga Mandira where the program was held.
Published – 21 Jan 2026 19:46 IST
