Karnataka’s guarantee schemes a boon for women, studies show

Siddaramaiah

The Congress-led Karnataka government’s flagship guarantee schemes- Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyothi, Anna Bhagya, Shakti, and Yuva Nidhi- are delivering significant benefits for women across the state, according to a series of studies presented at a public-facing event organised by the Fiscal Policy Institute (FPI) under state finance department.

The institute is tasked with reviewing the socio-economic impacts of schemes.

The five poll guarantees include free travel for women on non-AC state-run buses, 200 units of free power per month, Rs 2,000 per month for each female head of the family, 10 kg of food grains per month to BPL families, Rs 3,000 per month for two years to unemployed graduates, and Rs 1,500 per month for two years to unemployed diploma holders.

Empowering women through financial autonomy

Research by King’s College London, led by Prabha Kotiswar, highlighted the transformative impact of the Gruha Lakshmi cash transfer. Surveying 2,045 women across 10 districts, the study found that 99.8 percent of beneficiaries received the full Rs 2,000, though 78 percent experienced delays of a month or more. Nearly all-99 percent-retained full control over spending, ensuring the cash remained in women’s hands. Most funds were directed toward food, household needs, medicines, and children’s education. Nearly half of respondents reported a reduction in day-to-day household conflicts.

The survey also noted a 10 percent increase in women’s influence over how their husband’s earnings are used, reflecting a shift in household financial dynamics. “The scheme strengthened women’s confidence, autonomy, and financial decision-making within households, without discouraging paid work or education,” the study said.

Additional research indicated that Anna Bhagya and Gruha Jyothi improved access to food and electricity, while the Shakti free bus service enhanced women’s mobility, with 61 percent reporting increased work-related travel. “Beneficiaries saved money, gained independence in planning travel, and accessed new work opportunities, although challenges like overcrowding and insufficient bus frequency remain,” it added.

State-wide gains in health, nutrition, and employment

A complementary study by Lokniti-CSDS and Indus Action, covering 6,125 women across 15 districts, highlighted broad improvements in low-income households. Between 75 percent and 98 percent of respondents reported better access to health services and nutrition. Gruha Lakshmi strengthened women’s decision-making at home, while Shakti enabled employment mobility, with 19 percent of women securing new or better-paying jobs statewide, and 34 percent in Bengaluru Urban district reporting improved work opportunities.

The study also noted substantial gains in women’s self-confidence, self-reliance, and active participation in education, leisure, and public life.

Economic evidence of scheme effectiveness

The XKDR Forum, analysing CMIE consumer pyramids household survey data, found a dramatic increase in government transfers. Median monthly household receipts rose from Rs 170 in 2023 to Rs 2,425 in 2024, with households receiving transfers rising from 9.3 percent to 72.7 percent. Gruha Jyothi helped 63 percent of households pay zero electricity bills, while Gruha Lakshmi boosted spending on women-centric goods. Early indications suggest Yuva Nidhi may help stabilise graduate employment, though long-term effects remain to be seen.

Shakti transforms public transport for women

Analysis by Azim Premji University of nearly 2.9 crore BMTC bus trips between January 2023 and January 2025 revealed a structural shift in public transport usage. Women now constitute the majority of riders on key routes, including the central business district, with a 60:40 women-to-men ratio. The study highlighted improved access to jobs, education, and healthcare, particularly along Metro feeder corridors, though uptake in some peripheral areas remains low.

JustJobs Network found that fare-free buses under Shakti significantly boosted women’s economic participation. For low-income and informal-sector women, bus fare savings of 8-12 percent of disposable income were redirected to essentials such as food, rent, and healthcare. The scheme enabled women to retain jobs, seek new employment, and participate more fully in public life. An estimated 15-18 lakh women travel daily under Shakti, underscoring the program’s transformative scale.

Karnataka chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh said: "Through five guarantee schemes, Karnataka has significantly advanced multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals-eliminating poverty and hunger, improving health, education, and nutrition, and boosting women’s participation by 37 percent-creating a model of empowered, inclusive governance",