3 days ago
5
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A study by King’s College London has found that Karnataka’s five flagship Guarantee schemes - Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyothi, Anna Bhagya, Shakti, and Yuva Nidhi - have collectively improved women’s financial autonomy, access to basic services, and overall household well-being across the State.
The report, titled ‘From Guarantees to Rights: Assessing Karnataka’s Experiment with Basic Income and Basic Services’, is part of the Laws and Social Reproduction Project led by Prabha Kotiswaran and funded by the European Research Council. According to a release, over the past 18 months, the study surveyed 2,045 women from 10 districts and conducted focus group discussions with 300 participants to analyse the social and economic impact of the schemes.
The research revealed that the Gruha Lakshmi scheme offering ₹2,000 monthly to women heads of households had a transformative effect. Nearly all beneficiaries (99.8%) confirmed receiving the full amount, though 78% faced delays. According to the study, women reported higher control over finances, improved nutrition, increased savings, and greater confidence. Around 90% of recipients said the scheme enhanced their autonomy and reduced household stress, while 48% experienced fewer domestic conflicts.
Key findings
Gruha Lakshmi: 99.8% received ₹2,000; 78% faced delays. 99% had full control over spending; 90% reported higher confidence and autonomy.
Anna Bhagya: 95% preferred in-kind food support; improved food diversity noted.
Gruha Jyothi: 89% reported electricity savings; 94% used savings for household needs; 74% felt safer, 46% reported less violence.
Shakti: 46% said free bus travel influenced job choices; 49% used it for work or skill training.
Yuva Nidhi: Mentioned as part of the study but not analysed in detail in the findings.
Under Anna Bhagya, which provides free foodgrains, 95% of respondents preferred in-kind food support, linking it to better food diversity. The study stated that for Gruha Jyothi, 89% of women reported savings on electricity bills and 94% redirected those savings towards household needs, with many citing increased safety and reduced domestic violence.
The Shakti scheme offering free bus travel, 46% of respondents said it influenced their job decisions and 49% said it helped them travel for work or skill training.
The report recommends embedding Gruha Lakshmi within a Right to Care Law, improving financial literacy through mobile platforms, expanding women’s employment options, and enhancing inclusivity through simplified registration processes. It also suggests strengthening Shakti by adding more buses, improving routes, and making bus stops safer and well-lit.
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