Daily Current Affairs : 31-August-2023
In recent news, the Karnataka government has introduced its flagship initiative known as the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. This program is aimed at supporting the women who lead their households financially in the state. By providing a monthly payment of ₹2,000, the government seeks to empower these women and promote gender equality. In this essay, we will explore the key details of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme and discuss its significance in the context of women’s empowerment.
Key Details of the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme
- Monthly Financial Support
- Under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, women who are the primary earners in their families will receive a monthly payment of ₹2,000. This financial assistance aims to alleviate the economic burden on these women and their households.
- Substantial Budget Allocation
- The Karnataka government has allocated a significant budget of Rs 17,500 crore for the ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ program in the current financial year. This substantial investment underscores the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
- Gender Balance and Financial Support
- One of the primary objectives of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme is to promote gender balance within households. It recognizes the valuable contribution of housewives to their families and aims to provide them with financial support. This support is not only an acknowledgment of their responsibilities but also a step towards their economic independence.
- Eligibility Criteria
- Women listed as family heads on Antyodaya, Below Poverty Line (BPL), and Above Poverty Line (APL) ration cards are eligible for the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme. This inclusive approach ensures that women from various economic backgrounds can benefit from the program.
- One Woman per Family
- To ensure equitable distribution of benefits, only one woman per family can be a beneficiary of this scheme. This provision prevents any misuse or duplication of payments within a single household.
- Exclusions
- The Gruha Lakshmi scheme has certain exclusions. Women who are government employees, taxpayers, or part of families where their husbands pay income tax or file GST returns are not eligible for the scheme. This targeting of specific groups helps focus the program on those who need it most.
Significance of the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme
- Empowering Women
- The Gruha Lakshmi scheme represents a significant step towards empowering women in Karnataka. By providing financial support to women who lead their households, the government is recognizing their vital role and contributing to their economic well-being.
- Gender Equality
- This initiative promotes gender equality by acknowledging the importance of women’s contributions to their families. It seeks to bridge the economic gap between genders and promote a more equitable society.
- Poverty Alleviation
- The scheme’s focus on women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those with BPL ration cards, can contribute to poverty alleviation. The monthly financial assistance can help these families meet their basic needs and improve their overall quality of life.
Important Points:
Key Details of the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme:
- Monthly payment of ₹2,000 to women heading households.
- Budget allocation of Rs 17,500 crore for the program.
- Aims to achieve gender balance by providing financial support to housewives.
- Eligibility for women with Antyodaya, BPL, and APL ration cards.
- Only one woman per family can benefit from the scheme.
- Exclusions include government employees, taxpayers, and those with husbands paying income tax or filing GST returns.
Significance of the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme:
- Empowers women economically and recognizes their vital role.
- Promotes gender equality by bridging the economic gap.
- Focuses on poverty alleviation, especially for economically disadvantaged families.
Overall Impact:
- Represents a significant step towards empowering women.
- Contributes to gender equality and a more equitable society.
- Has the potential to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for disadvantaged families in Karnataka.
Why In News
The Karnataka government proudly introduced its much-anticipated flagship program, the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, aimed at providing affordable housing solutions to its citizens. This innovative initiative not only seeks to address housing needs but also aims to stimulate economic growth and improve the overall quality of life in the state, making it a significant step towards sustainable urban development. Through the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, the government envisions fostering a sense of security and well-being among the people, ultimately contributing to the state’s progress and prosperity.
MCQs about Gruha Lakshmi Scheme
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What is the purpose of limiting the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme to one woman per family?
A. To discourage families from participating
B. To minimize the administrative burden
C. To ensure equitable distribution of benefits
D. To exclude women from high-income households
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What is the primary objective of Karnataka’s Gruha Lakshmi Scheme?
A. Providing healthcare services to women
B. Promoting gender balance and empowering housewives
C. Supporting women entrepreneurs
D. Offering educational scholarships to women
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Who is eligible for the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme in Karnataka?
A. All women in the state
B. Women with government jobs
C. Women listed on Antyodaya, BPL, and APL ration cards
D. Women with husbands who pay income tax
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