Chikkamagaluru leads Karnataka in implementing benefit schemes

Chikkamagaluru is making progress in implementing five guarantee schemes aimed at improving the lives of its residents. Local officials and representatives are working together to enhance the efficiency of these programs. They are regularly meeting with department heads to discuss what is working and what challenges remain. MC Shivanandaswamy, the chairman of the District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority, reports that there are ongoing initiatives at the taluk level to promote these schemes. Events are being organized to raise public awareness, ensuring that everyone in the district knows about the available benefits. The focus is also on providing vocational training to help reduce unemployment and encourage self-employment among youth. The Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which supports families, has reached 2,70,273 beneficiaries, with direct payments totaling over Rs 52 crores. Officials are actively working to fix technical issues that are delaying payments to some beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Shakti scheme, aimed at empowering women, has allowed 3,64,953 residents to use free travel services. Additionally, the Yuva Nidhi scheme, which targets job seekers, has benefited 3,935 participants with over Rs 4 crores in financial support. Shivanandaswamy emphasized the importance of holding monthly public meetings to address any problems and ensure that everyone eligible can access the benefits. From the 2,59,634 ration cardholders in the district, 2,49,481 are eligible for the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme. The administration plans to provide 10 kg of rice per person rather than cash payments starting this month and continuing until February. The Gruha Jyothi scheme has provided benefits to 3,11,409 recipients, with spending surpassing Rs 1,182 crores. The total number of eligible beneficiaries for this scheme is 3,53,190. Following its success, the state government has set aside Rs 51,000 crores for guarantee schemes this year.