In a significant announcement during his Republic Day address, Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot revealed that disbursals under the state's five guarantee schemes have surpassed the monumental figure of Rs 1.13 lakh crore. This landmark achievement underscores the transformative impact of these welfare initiatives on the socio-economic landscape of Karnataka.
Economic and Social Transformation for Women
Governor Gehlot, speaking at the Parade Grounds in Bengaluru, emphasized that these schemes have ignited "economic and social enthusiasm" among women across the state. He highlighted how the programmes, rooted in the concept of Universal Basic Income, have brought about substantial changes in women's lives, enabling better access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and economic opportunities necessary for self-reliance.
Boosting Family Purchasing Power
The Governor pointed out that multiple studies indicate a noticeable increase in people's purchasing power as a direct result of these schemes. With 1.37 crore families receiving direct financial benefits, the programmes have financially empowered households, contributing to Karnataka's leading position in maintaining healthy consumer price indices nationwide.
Additional Governance Achievements
Beyond the guarantee schemes, Governor Gehlot outlined several other accomplishments of the Karnataka government. The state continues to attract substantial foreign investments while ranking first in justice delivery efficiency. Special task forces have been established to strengthen communal harmony, ensuring sustained peace in sensitive areas.
Regarding legislative progress, the long-pending issue of internal reservation for Scheduled Caste communities has been resolved through legislation passed during the December Winter Session and is now at the implementation stage. On infrastructure development, state-owned companies have prepared comprehensive action plans to generate an additional 4,794 MW of power, addressing the state's growing energy needs.
The Republic Day address served as a comprehensive overview of Karnataka's developmental trajectory under the current administration, with the guarantee schemes standing out as a cornerstone of the government's welfare architecture, particularly in advancing women's economic participation and family welfare across the state.
