Karnataka has emerged as a frontrunner in India in implementing comprehensive women empowerment initiatives. The state government has launched a series of schemes aimed at enhancing the socio-economic status of women, ensuring their safety, and promoting their overall well-being. These initiatives encompass financial assistance, skill development, health care, and social security, reflecting a holistic approach to women’s empowerment.
1. Gruha Lakshmi Scheme
The Gruha Lakshmi Scheme is a flagship initiative by the Government of Karnataka, providing monthly financial assistance of ₹2,000 to the female head of every eligible household. Launched on July 19, 2023, the scheme aims to empower women economically and enhance their role in household decision-making.(ClearTax, Seva Sindhu Karnataka)
Key Features:
- Eligibility: Women listed as the head of the family on Antyodaya, BPL, or APL ration cards.(ClearTax)
- Exclusions: Families where the woman or her husband is an income tax payer or files GST returns are not eligible.(Seva Sindhu Karnataka)
- Beneficiaries: As of January 2025, over 1.25 crore women have benefited from the scheme.(Seva Sindhu Karnataka)
- Disbursement: Funds are transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).(ClearTax)
This scheme not only provides financial support but also acknowledges the pivotal role women play in managing households.
2. Shakti Scheme
Introduced on June 11, 2023, the Shakti Scheme offers free bus travel for women domiciled in Karnataka. It aims to enhance women’s mobility, thereby facilitating their access to education, employment, and healthcare.(Wikipedia)
Key Features:
- Coverage: Applicable on ordinary and express bus services operated by KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC within Karnataka.(Wikipedia)
- Exclusions: Luxury, AC, and interstate buses are not covered under this scheme.(Wikipedia)
- Implementation: Initially, beneficiaries could avail free travel by showing government-issued ID and address proof. Subsequently, they are required to obtain a Shakti smartcard through the Seva Sindhu portal.(Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
The scheme significantly reduces transportation costs for women, encouraging greater participation in various socio-economic activities.
3. Udyogini Scheme
The Udyogini Scheme, implemented by the Karnataka State Women Development Corporation (KSWDC), aims to promote self-employment among women by facilitating access to credit and providing subsidies.(Bangalore Rural)
Key Features:
- Eligibility: Women aged 18 to 45 years with a family income below ₹2 lakh for SC/ST categories and ₹40,000 for general category.(Bangalore Rural)
- Financial Support: Loans ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh, with subsidies up to 50% for SC/ST women and 30% for special category women.
- Training: Beneficiaries receive Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training before loan disbursement.(Bangalore Rural)
This scheme empowers women to start their own businesses, fostering economic independence and entrepreneurship.
4. Shramashakthi Special Women’s Scheme
Launched by the Minorities Welfare Department, this scheme targets widowed, divorced, and unmarried women from minority communities, providing them with financial assistance to undertake various economic activities.(myScheme)
Key Features:
- Financial Support: A combination of ₹25,000 loan and ₹25,000 subsidy is provided to eligible women.(myScheme)
- Objective: To promote self-employment and economic empowerment among minority women facing socio-economic challenges.
By facilitating income-generating activities, the scheme aims to improve the livelihoods of marginalized women.
5. Shaadi Bhagya Scheme
The Shaadi Bhagya Scheme offers financial assistance to women from economically backward minority communities to support their marriage expenses. Launched in October 2013, it reflects the government’s commitment to social welfare.(Wikipedia)
Key Features:
- Eligibility: Women from minority communities with an annual income below ₹1.5 lakh.(Wikipedia)
- Support: One-time financial assistance is provided to eligible women, including widows and divorcees intending to remarry.(Wikipedia)
The scheme aims to alleviate the financial burden of marriage for economically disadvantaged women.
6. Skill Development and Training Programs
The Karnataka State Women Development Corporation (KSWDC) conducts various training programs to enhance women’s skills and promote self-employment.(Bangalore Rural)
Key Features:
- Target Groups: Vulnerable women, including widows, destitutes, physically handicapped, and SC/ST women.(Bangalore Rural)
- Training Areas: Project report preparation, general accounting, materials management, marketing, and other skills based on interest and need.(Bangalore Rural)
- Objective: To equip women with the necessary skills to start and manage their own businesses effectively.
These programs play a crucial role in building women’s capacities and promoting entrepreneurship.
7. Micro Credit Scheme
Under this scheme, interest-free loans ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh are provided to Stree Shakthi Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to establish their own enterprises or undertake viable economic activities.(Bangalore Rural)
Key Features:
- Objective: To encourage collective entrepreneurship among women and strengthen SHGs.
- Support: Financial assistance without interest, enabling women to invest in income-generating ventures.
The scheme fosters financial inclusion and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
8. Chetana Scheme
The Chetana Scheme focuses on the rehabilitation of sex workers by providing them with financial assistance to start self-employment ventures.(Bangalore Rural)
Key Features:
- Financial Support: A total of ₹50,000, comprising ₹25,000 loan and ₹25,000 incentive, is provided to eligible beneficiaries.(Bangalore Rural)
- Objective: To enable sex workers to lead a dignified life through sustainable livelihood options.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to social justice and rehabilitation.
9. Rehabilitation of Transgender Individuals
Recognizing the challenges faced by transgender individuals, the government provides financial assistance to support their self-employment endeavors.
Key Features:
- Financial Support: ₹50,000, including ₹25,000 loan and ₹25,000 incentive, is offered to transgender individuals.
- Objective: To promote inclusivity and economic independence among transgender communities.
The scheme aims to integrate transgender individuals into the mainstream society through economic empowerment.
10. Interest Subsidy Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs
Implemented in collaboration with the Karnataka State Financial Corporation (KSFC), this scheme provides interest subsidies to women entrepreneurs to encourage the establishment of small and medium enterprises.(Bangalore Rural)
Key Features:
- Loan Amount: Between ₹5 lakh and ₹200 lakh for starting industries or service sectors.(Bangalore Rural)
- Interest Subsidy: 10% of the interest rate is subsidized by the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation for up to 5 years.(Bangalore Rural)
- Objective: To reduce the financial burden on women entrepreneurs and promote business development.
This initiative supports women’s participation in the economic growth of the state.
11. Samrudhi Scheme
The Samrudhi Scheme provides financial assistance to women street vendors and those infected with HIV to undertake income-generating activities.(Bangalore Rural)
Key Features:
- Support for Street Vendors: ₹10,000 is provided to women street vendors to support their businesses.(Bangalore Rural)
- Support for HIV-Infected Women: ₹50,000, comprising ₹25,000 loan and ₹25,000 subsidy, is offered to HIV-infected women.(Bangalore Rural)
- Objective: To promote self-reliance and improve the quality of life for marginalized women.
The scheme addresses the specific needs of vulnerable women, ensuring their socio-economic upliftment.
12. Saviruchi Scheme
Launched in 2018, the Saviruchi Scheme aims to encourage District Stree Shakthi Federations by providing them with financial assistance to start food-related enterprises.(Bangalore Rural)
Key Features:
- Financial Support: Interest-free loans of ₹10 lakh are provided to each federation.(Bangalore Rural)
- Objective: To promote entrepreneurship among women through the establishment of food businesses.(Bangalore Rural)
The scheme leverages the culinary skills of women to create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
13. Yuva Nidhi Scheme
The Yuva Nidhi Scheme provides financial assistance and skill development training to unemployed youth, including women, to enhance their employability.(The Times of India)
Key Features:
- Financial Assistance: Monthly financial support is provided to eligible unemployed youth.(The Times of India)
- Skill Development: Over 40