Karnataka’s ‘Guarantee Schemes’ ease women’s financial burden, boost nutrition and healthcare: Study

A year-long survey across 15 districts reveals that 84% of women beneficiaries feel the state’s guarantee schemes have reduced financial stress, with many reporting better nutrition, healthcare access, and even new jobs.

An independent study has thrown fresh light on the transformative impact of Karnataka’s flagship five guarantee schemes, with women across the state testifying to real changes in their financial stability, access to healthcare, and mobility.

The mixed-method survey, led by policy consultant Tara Krishnaswamy in collaboration with academic institutions and civic partners, covered 6,300 women from 15 districts over the past year. The results were emphatic: 84% said the schemes reduced their families’ financial stress, and nearly 89% credited them for financial upliftment.

Also Read:Karnataka allocates ₹488.56 crore to 5 new Bengaluru corporations to ensure smooth operations

According to the findings, the savings women accrued were substantial:

•    ₹2,000 per month from Gruha Lakshmi,
•    up to ₹1,000 per month from Gruha Jyoti,
•    and nearly ₹1,000 per week from Shakti’s free travel scheme.

Nearly 27% of respondents repaid existing loans with their savings. Importantly, the money didn’t lie idle. A striking 91% of women used these funds to buy essentials like grains, vegetables, fruits, eggs, and meat, ensuring better nutrition for families. 95% reported healthier diets and 90% greater access to healthcare, pointing to improved quality of life.

Also Read:Ram Charan unveils Peddi poster, celebrates 18 years in cinema

The study highlights the empowerment factor of these guarantees, particularly Shakti and Gruha Lakshmi. The Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, directly influenced 19% of women to secure better jobs, a number that soared to 34% in Bengaluru.
“This free mobility means women can now access higher-paying jobs or even travel for medical treatment without financial strain. It directly addresses economic distress while feeding back into the local economy,” Krishnaswamy noted.

With Gruha Lakshmi, 95% reported financial upliftment, and more than 90% acknowledged improved relationships and greater influence in family decisions. Similarly, Gruha Jyoti helped over 92% women strengthen household finances.

Also Read:TVK moves Madras HC for independent probe into Karur stampede, alleges conspiracy

 “These schemes are a social safety net. Every rupee is being spent on food, nutrition, and health,areas where Karnataka still lags behind Tamil Nadu and Kerala,” Krishnaswamy said. With over 30–35% child stunting and 66% anaemia among women, she stressed the schemes are plugging critical gaps in human development.

The study also revealed uneven penetration. While Bengaluru Urban and Tumakuru districts performed strongly, Bengaluru Rural lagged behind in key schemes like Anna Bhagya, Shakti, and Yuvanidhi, exposing gaps in outreach.