In a significant move aimed at empowering women and addressing social welfare, the Karnataka government unveiled the 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme on Raksha Bandhan. This pioneering initiative provides a monthly cash assistance of ₹2,000 to female heads of households across the state. The launch event, attended by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and the party's national president Mallikarjun Kharge, showcased the government's commitment to uplifting women and fostering their well-being.
Rahul Gandhi's address at the launch highlighted the government's focus on women's empowerment, emphasizing the party's dedication to the welfare of women in the state. The Gruha Lakshmi scheme, designed to support the financial independence of women, aligns with this commitment. The direct benefit transfer (DBT) mechanism, demonstrated by Gandhi himself, ensures seamless fund allocation directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts.
A noteworthy aspect of the event was Gandhi's criticism of the central government, accusing it of prioritizing the interests of a select group of billionaires. He emphasized that the Karnataka government's welfare schemes, including Gruha Lakshmi, are aimed at uplifting the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society, as opposed to favoring the wealthy elite. This sentiment underlines the state government's intent to place the interests of the people at the heart of governance.
The Gruha Lakshmi scheme's scale is impressive, with approximately 1.9 crore women having registered from over 55,000 panchayats in the state. This highlights the immense demand for initiatives that support women's financial well-being and empowerment. The scheme's introduction of a WhatsApp chatbot for application submissions further demonstrates the government's innovative approach to making the process accessible and hassle-free.
Karnataka's Gruha Lakshmi scheme has garnered attention not only for its financial support to women but also for its potential to challenge the traditional narrative of governance that caters to the privileged few. By prioritizing schemes that directly benefit women and marginalized communities, the state government sets an example of inclusive and people-centric policies.
In conclusion, the launch of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme in Karnataka marks a significant step towards women's empowerment and social welfare. The state government's commitment to prioritizing the needs of its citizens over billionaire interests showcases a shift in the political discourse towards more inclusive governance. As the program unfolds, its impact on the lives of women and the larger socio-political narrative will be closely watched.
