Karnataka Budget 2023: CM Siddaramaiah elaborates on Gruha Lakshmi scheme

Karnataka Budget 2023: The scheme is expected to encourage livelihood activities like animal husbandry, cottage industry, among others. It is also aimed at reducing the compulsion to work with pregnant women, lactating mothers, women senior citizens and sick women.

The Karnataka government expects the 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme which assures Rs 2,000 crore to women head of household would cost government Rs 30,000 crore which is expected to benefit 1.30 crore women. Announcing the provisions under the women and child welfare sector,  CM Siddaramaiah said, "Education and financial self- reliance play a prominent role in eradicating these social evils. Against this backdrop, financial assistance of Rs. 2,000 every month will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to woman head of the family."

Speaking further about the scheme, he said, "ASHA workers, Anganawadi workers, mid-day meal makers, gender minorities and former Devadasis will also be covered under this scheme. This scheme will enhance self-reliance in women. Poverty will considerably come down. It will provide comfort to families reeling under the effects of inflation."

The scheme is expected to encourage livelihood activities like animal husbandry, cottage industry, among others. It is also aimed at reducing the compulsion to work with pregnant women, lactating mothers, women senior citizens and sick women.

He further said, "It is a small step towards providing a level playing field for women in society. The registration process under the scheme will start soon and Rs. 2,000 will be directly transferred to their accounts every month."

"Rs. 30,000 crore is estimated as the approximate annual expenditure under the scheme. It is undoubtedly, the largest financial security scheme that has been launched in the country," he added.

Earlier, CM Siddaramaiah presented the state budget and criticised the central govenrment for reducing share in schemes and shortage of funds for state government schemes. In his speech during the budget presentation, Siddaramaiah said, "Central government is reducing its share in centrally sponsored schemes. Due to this, there is a severe shortage of funds for new state government schemes."