Karnataka model of guarantee schemes inspires other States: Cheluvarayaswamy

Minister in charge of Mandya district N. Cheluvarayaswamy on Monday said the State government’s five guarantee schemes have been designed for the welfare of people from all communities.

Speaking after inaugurating a workshop and progress review meeting on the guarantee schemes in Mandya, he said the State government implemented these programmes to improve the living standards of the poor.

“The concept of the guarantee schemes was the dream of Rahul Gandhi and the outcome of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s concern for the poor,” the Minister observed.

Rejecting criticism that the government has neglected other development works due to guarantee schemes, he said the State continues to focus on overall development without any shortfall. “For the first time in recent history, each MLA has been provided a discretionary grant of ₹50 crore for taluk-level development. Substantial funds have also been released for the development of MySugar factory and the Agriculture University in Mandya,” he said.

Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy said the Karnataka model of the five guarantees has inspired other States and that Karnataka now ranks first in per capita income in the country. “The government will continue to deliver the benefits of these schemes for the next five years and will never go back on its word,” he assured.

Karnataka State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority Chairman H.M. Revanna said the five guarantee schemes mark a new milestone in the State’s welfare history. Officials have played a crucial role in ensuring that benefits reach every eligible person, he added.

“If beneficiaries face any problems, they can approach the Implementation Authority. The issue of IT and GST mismatches affecting Gruha Lakshmi payments will also be resolved soon,” he said.

MLC Dinesh Gooli Gowda, who is also the vice-chairman of the authority, said that four of the five guarantee schemes benefit women. “Women must raise their voice to ensure these schemes continue,” he said.

A documentary on the guarantee schemes was screened during the event. Vijayalakshmi from Srirangapatna taluk was felicitated for using her Gruha Lakshmi funds to provide drinking water facilities to a government school.

MLAs Ravikumar and K.M. Uday, MySugar chairman C.D. Gangadhar, Deputy Commissioner Kumar, ZP CEO K.R. Nandini, SP Mallikarjun Baladandi, and several other officials were present.