Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Jul 24: In just two years, the Karnataka state government's five flagship guarantee schemes have infused a massive Rs 1,616 crore into Udupi district, significantly enhancing the financial independence of women and improving household economies.

The standout among these is the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which alone accounts for Rs 870.83 crore—over 53.86% of the total aid. Under this scheme, women have emerged as the real financial heads of their families. Monthly payments of Rs 2,000 to eligible women have enabled greater savings and spending power across the district.

In August 2023, 1,99,285 women received Rs 39.86 crore under Gruha Lakshmi, while by May 2025, this number rose to 2,25,131 beneficiaries receiving Rs 45.03 crore.

Under the Gruha Jyothi scheme, in August 2023, Rs 17.07 crore worth of electricity bills were waived for 2,79,692 households consuming less than 200 units. In April 2025, the number of beneficiaries rose to 2,84,431 households, with Rs 19.54 crore worth of electricity bills waived.

The Anna Bhagya scheme saw Rs 11.38 crore transferred to the accounts of 1,56,169 individuals in July 2023. In July 2024 and October 2024, pending amounts of Rs 3.03 crore and Rs 1.87 crore are to be disbursed to 39,922 and 19,948 families respectively. In December 2024, Rs 12.94 crore was credited to 1,82,026 families. Beginning January 2025, the state government has also started supplying an additional 5 kg of rice per person.

Under the Yuva Nidhi scheme, Rs 4.94 crore has been deposited so far into the accounts of 2,758 unemployed youth in Udupi district, offering vital financial support during their job search.

The Shakti Scheme, which enables women to travel free in state-run buses, has significantly boosted their mobility and independence. In June 2023, 5,48,975 women saved Rs 2.03 crore through this initiative. By May 2025, the number of beneficiaries grew to 11,13,925 women, who together saved Rs 5.41 crore. Over a span of 20 months, the scheme benefited 2.53 crore adults and 4.42 lac children—totalling 2.57 crore individuals—with combined savings amounting to Rs 99.10 crore.

Under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, an average of 2.20 lac women beneficiaries in Udupi district have received a total of Rs 870.83 crore in financial assistance, empowering them to take greater control of their household finances.

The Gruha Jyothi scheme has benefited an average of 2.85 lac households by waiving electricity bills, amounting to a total of Rs 418.04 crore. This has eased the monthly financial burden on thousands of families.

Through the Anna Bhagya scheme, an average of 1.80 lac individuals have received assistance, with a total of Rs 223.75 crore disbursed to ensure food security and nutritional support.

The Yuva Nidhi scheme has directly supported 2,758 unemployed youth in the district, with Rs 4.94 crore credited to their accounts, helping them manage their basic needs while seeking employment.

Under the Shakti Scheme, an average of 10.50 lac women have availed the benefit of free bus travel, leading to an estimated savings of Rs 99.10 crore, significantly contributing to their financial independence and mobility.

Each household in the district now receives an estimated additional monthly income of Rs 5,000–Rs 6,000 through these initiatives, effectively eliminating hunger and improving quality of life.

Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, president of the Udupi District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee, stated that grassroots-level reviews, taluk and panchayat meetings, and public awareness campaigns will be conducted in the coming days to assess progress and ensure wider outreach.