Guarantee schemes hailed as a boon to women, youth
The State government's guarantee schemes are playing a transformative role in empowering women and youth, said vice-president of the State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority S.R. Mehroz Khan.
Speaking at an event to interact with beneficiaries of Yuva Nidhi scheme at Mahatma Gandhi Auditorium in Gulbarga University on Wednesday, Mr. Khan highlighted the impact of the scheme on youth employment.
'Due to the implementation of Yuva Nidhi, the unemployment rate in the State has dropped to 2.25% from 4.8%,' he said.
He added that these welfare schemes, which cost the government around ₹52,000 crore annually, are unparalleled globally.
'International studies have affirmed that such comprehensive welfare models are rare. These schemes have helped secure the lives of millions of people in Karnataka,' he noted.
Mr. Khan also pointed out that the Shakti scheme has not only supported women's professional journeys but also helped them lead independent lives. As a result of the Shakti and Gruha Lakshmi schemes, women's entrepreneurship in the State has risen to 12%.
Similarly, the Anna Bhagya scheme has alleviated hunger, while free electricity under Gruha Jyothi has further lightened the financial burden on households, he said.
'There are often allegations of corruption in other welfare schemes but the guarantee schemes have been implemented transparently without any misappropriation. Credit for this goes to the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah,' Mr. Khan said.
He urged beneficiaries facing technical issues with Yuva Nidhi disbursements to call the toll-free helpline 1800-599-7154 for resolution. He also encouraged youth to take the lead in spreading awareness about these schemes in their communities.
Several beneficiaries shared their experiences during the interaction.
'For the past 11 months, I've been receiving financial support through Yuva Nidhi. It has helped me buy books and attend training to secure employment,' said Shivalingayya.
'Coming from a farming family with limited financial means, the Yuva Nidhi scheme has helped me and my brother undergo job training in Dharwad. Gruha Lakshmi funds are also being received and free electricity under Gruha Jyothi has brightened our home,' said Vijayalakshmi, a postgraduate student.
Nabi, another student, called for gender-inclusive access to the benefits of the Shakti scheme for both male and female students.
'Thanks to the Shakti scheme, I have been able to travel and visit places I never imagined. This free travel is enabling parents to consider higher education for their daughters,' said Pooja, a chemistry student.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Bhanwar Singh Meena urged students to actively participate in extracurricular activities and discussions alongside their studies.
'Success in life is possible through hard work. Make full use of the university campus and library facilities. Yuva Nidhi must be used wisely,' he said.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority chairperson Chandrika Parameshwari, vice-chairperson Somashekhara Hiremath, Chief Planning Officer S.S. Mathapati, Project Director Jagadeva, Assistant Director of the District Employment Exchange Bharathi, Deputy Director of the Food and Civil Supplies Department Bheemaraya and Gulbarga University Registrar Ramesh Landankar.
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