Daijiworld Media Network – Koppal

Koppal, Jun 7: In an inspiring display of public service, Savita Nagareddi, a woman farmer from Yarehanchinal village located on the border of Koppal and Gadag districts, has used her savings from the state government’s Gruha Lakshmi scheme to clear thorny bushes and overgrown plants that were obstructing a village road.

While many beneficiaries of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme—under which the government provides Rs 2,000 per month—have used the funds to buy gold or drill borewells, Savita chose a different path. She saved the amount for 11 months and used it to hire excavators and pay daily wage labourers to clear the road from Yarehanchinal to Kotumachagi village.

Despite repeated appeals by villagers to the local panchayats to clear the bushes and shrubs along the roadside, no action was taken. Determined to find a solution, Savita took it upon herself to improve road conditions for her fellow villagers. Her initiative has been widely praised by residents, who expressed gratitude for her bold and thoughtful action.

Savita, whose husband Umesh is also a farmer, received his support in spending around Rs 22,000 for the work. She stated her commitment to continue using Gruha Lakshmi funds for similar community initiatives.

Members of the Yelburga Farmers’ Association, including president Andappa Kolur, visited the village and lauded Savita’s efforts. Kolur highlighted that the road was in a deplorable condition with exposed tar, potholes, and dense thorny growth on the sides, making it dangerous for vehicles. Though they had submitted a petition to local MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy demanding road repairs, it had yielded no response. Now, Savita’s initiative has become a model for others and is expected to spark positive change in rural development.

Speaking to the media, Savita said, “I have seen how villagers struggle to walk here. Many have suffered injuries due to the thorny shrubs—we too have been hurt. So I decided to use my Gruha Lakshmi savings for this work. If needed, I am ready to spend more. This is a small service to my fellow villagers.”