Bengaluru : “My son is studying MBBS in Koppal. I paid around ₹59,000 in fees using the Gruha Lakshmi money. Thanks to the Shakti scheme, it has been convenient for me to visit my son frequently,” said a woman from Chikkamagaluru district, leaving the entire hall filled with emotion.
When the CM asked, “How much did your son score, in PUC?”, the mother’s enthusiasm doubled as she replied, “My son scored 98 percent in PUC.”
Indeed, the interaction conducted by CM D.K. Shivakumar with the beneficiaries of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme at his home office ‘Krishna’ on Friday witnessed several such emotional moments alongside stories of self-reliant achievements.
Welcoming the CM with enthusiasm upon his arrival, the women openly shared their experiences and the benefits they received from the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. They also did not forget to bring local issues in their villages to the CM’s attention.
Gruha Lakshmi scheme will not be stopped
A senior woman from Laxmeshwar taluk in Gadag district emotionally expressed, “The Gruha Lakshmi amount has helped senior women with their medicines and living a life of dignity.” The beneficiaries requested that the Gruha Lakshmi scheme should not be stopped under any circumstances. Responding to this, the CM assured, “This scheme will not be stopped.”
Sent daughter abroad for dance performance
“Our daughter is studying in PUC and is very interested in dance. Gruha Lakshmi money, along with our savings, helped send our daughter to Malaysia for a dance performance. Gratitude to the Congress government for helping us travel from Channarayapatna to Malaysia,” said a mother, Asha from Channarayapattana.
Two-wheeler for business expansion
Triveni Basavaraj from Tumakuru district proudly explained how Gruha Lakshmi aided in selling her millets and ragi products. “By combining the Gruha Lakshmi money with my savings, I bought a two-wheeler, which helped expand the business. I am now sending the chakli, kodubale, and other products I prepare to other states and countries as well,” she shared.
When the CM asked, “Have you brought any chakli?”, she replied, “I brought some just for you.” She expressed joy saying, “Because of this scheme, we got the privilege to meet you today.”
A woman from the Lambani community in Tarikere explained, “The Gruha Lakshmi scheme amount helped start the Lambani embroidery business on a large scale.” Recalling how the Shakti scheme benefited children, she said, “The Congress government is the reason my children are getting a good education. Everyone’s blessings are with our brother,” as she extended her heartfelt wishes.
CM buys toy cradle for granddaughter
A woman from Kalaburagi district proudly stated that she used the Gruha Lakshmi scheme amount as capital to manufacture and sell handicrafts, displaying the cradle, lamp, and other items she brought. Gifting those items to the CM, she wished well for his family.
Asking, “Give the cradle to me, sister, I will give it to my granddaughter. How much does it cost?”, he paid ₹500 and purchased the cradle.
Sridevi Patil from Afzalpur taluk in Kalaburagi said, “Gruha Lakshmi has helped poor women.” Explaining her social service work, she shared that she provided uniforms to Anganwadi children, assuring, “As a mother, we support your government.”
A woman leader from the Congress party in Udupi district expressed joy, noting that while she couldn’t meet him during party work, she had the privilege of meeting him now as a Gruha Lakshmi beneficiary. As a social worker, she mentioned that the Shakti scheme helped her travel for her service activities.
The CM asked about the opinion of local women, noting that while Congress does not hold sway in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, the Gruha Lakshmi scheme was implemented across party lines. The woman responded that women hold great appreciation for the Congress government.
A daily wage worker from Ambale village in Yelandur taluk of Chamarajanagar district said Gruha Lakshmi enabled her to educate her children. She added that there is no bus to their village, requiring them to walk 5 km daily, and requested bus arrangements for her village.
A woman from Chadchan in Vijayapura district explained that she purchased a Jersey cow and started dairy farming, adding that she provided uniforms and bags to Anganwadi children.
When a Lambani woman from Kappatagudda in Gadag district mentioned that women in her village eagerly wait for the Gruha Lakshmi scheme like waiting for a gift from their parental home, others nodded in agreement.
A widow from Chitradurga gratefully recalled how Gruha Lakshmi stood by her during her solitary struggle. Running a roti business to make a living, she explained how she bought a roti-making machine with the Gruha Lakshmi amount and is now working with the help of two assistants.
Maheshwari, who holds a minor position in a hospital in Ballari, shared that the Gruha Lakshmi money enabled her to buy a washing machine, TV, and other items, making her household work lighter.
A woman from Raichur built a self-reliant life by buying sewing machines and has also provided employment to three people, earning ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 a day. She expressed that this brought her respect from her husband and love from her in-laws.
A woman from Vijayapura district proudly explained that the funds helped pay her daughter’s sports training fees, resulting in her daughter winning third place in a state-level karate competition
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A woman daily wage worker from Shivamogga district shared her success story of starting a chicken shop.
A woman from Gandabommanahalli Panchayat in Kudligi taluk of Vijayanagara district described how her self-help group friends expanded sheep farming through the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. Starting with 5 sheep, they now rear 300 sheep and have employed 5 men for grazing, bringing a shower of applause from everyone, including the CM.
While Another woman mentioned buying a sewing machine with the Gruha Lakshmi money, the other stated that it provided capital for her cloth business and a labourer woman said her family to buy gas and eat full meals. The CM’s interaction unveiled numerous success stories—pride in giving wings to children’s dreams, business expansion, and a sense of security for senior women.
At the end of the program, the brightness of Diwali shone in the eyes of the women who took photos with the CM.
Folk song inspired ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ scheme
“Tayi satta mele tavarige endu hogabaradavva, nayiginta kadeyagi hoyite nana balu kelavva…” (Do not go to your natal home after your mother passes away, my life became worse than that of a dog…) These lines from a folk song inspired the birth of Gruha Lakshmi, the country’s largest social security scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed personal satisfaction, stating: “One night when my cousin sang this song, the concept of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme occurred to me. To empower women, the Shakti and Gruha Lakshmi schemes were announced in the election manifesto. Our government implemented Gruha Lakshmi and Shakti schemes to bring a change in women’s lives. As envisioned, a transformation has occurred in their lives.” Echoing the CM’s words, the women described the amount as a “gift from their natal home.”
“The Congress government started the Gruha Lakshmi scheme with the intention of empowering women and providing them with the love and affection of a parental home,” he said, leaving the Gruha Lakshmis present visibly emotional.
Gruha Lakshmi convention in every district
“₹86,000 crore has been spent on the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. When this reaches ₹1 lakh crore, a convention of Gruha Lakshmis will be held in all districts across the state. Former CM Siddaramaiah and I had placed ₹2,000 at the feet of Goddess Chamundeshwari in Mysuru, praying for the strength to implement this Gruha Lakshmi scheme. The people blessed us with 136 seats,” the CM stated.
“This scheme was implemented under the leadership of Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. Gruha Lakshmi benefits are reaching 1.24 crore women. We gave assurances for all guarantee schemes during the elections—Gruha Jyoti in Belagavi, Yuva Nidhi in the presence of Rahul Gandhi, and Gruha Lakshmi when Priyanka Gandhi visited,” he said.
Guarantees not fully implemented in other states
“As promised, we have completely implemented the guarantee schemes in our state. No one can stop this. Indira Gandhi introduced the old-age pension scheme—was anyone able to stop it? Other states copied our guarantee schemes, but no one implemented them fully,” he said.
Re-verification to prevent misuse of Gruha Lakshmi:
Enter your own phone number
“Recently, a survey was conducted regarding the Gruha Jyoti scheme. At that time, many people said they did not want the benefit of the scheme, while some hesitated to provide documents,” he said.
“It has come to my notice that misuse is happening in the Gruha Lakshmi scheme as well. Discrepancies have been noticed, such as money going to accounts of over one lakh deceased individuals, women from other states misusing the facility, and when details of a beneficiary in Bagalkote were verified, the phone number belonged to one town while the money reached someone else. Incidents of the Gruha Lakshmi amount being deducted for loans have also occurred. In this context, a Gruha Lakshmi form has been prepared. Women must enter their own phone numbers,” he requested.
“On Thursday, the Gruha Lakshmi scheme completed three years. It is said that an economically sound woman is the light of the family. Most women have used the Gruha Lakshmi amount for their families or to clear loans, while some used it for themselves. This amount should be put to good use. This interaction has been organized to understand how you are utilizing this amount. Guarantee committees are being formed at the Panchayat level, and they will be in contact with you. This measure is taken to address your issues,” he stated.
Woman Minister soon
“A woman minister will be appointed before the next assembly session. During the verification of Gruha Lakshmi beneficiaries, provide accurate information, especially entering your own phone number so our messages reach you. I am glad to know that women engaged in business and enterprises or used it for children’s education with the Gruha Lakshmi money. Education is the greatest asset. But never use this amount for interest business or chit fund schemes. May your blessings remain with us. We will come back to power in 2028. Create awareness about this among your husbands and friends,” he urged.
He advised, “Along with creating awareness among Gruha Lakshmi beneficiaries about financial transactions, caution will be given to prevent them from falling into meter-interest and chit-fund traps.”
“Complaints have been received regarding loan deductions from beneficiaries’ bank accounts, and I am reviewing all these issues. It has been noticed that around 30% to 35% of beneficiaries have phone numbers belonging to different individuals. Therefore, I am explaining that beneficiaries must use their own mobile phones and not provide others’ numbers. In this context, I am calling beneficiaries, speaking with them, and conducting a survey to understand their problems,” he said.
“During Diwali, the Gruha Lakshmi scheme completed 36 months, i.e., three years. Yesterday (Thursday), I released around ₹7,000 crore in a single day. I inquired if beneficiaries still face any issues. Women also shared their experiences about the benefits of the Shakti scheme. I will speak with others as well and take necessary measures,” he added.
Curb on meter-interest business
When asked about the reason for warning against engaging in meter-interest business, he said, “Some people borrow ₹2,000 when going to the market in the morning and pay excessive interest like 10% when returning the money in the evening. There is also a system of collecting interest at ₹5 to ₹10 rates. Such practices not only land people in financial distress but also increase crime cases. However, victims hesitate to voice their problems. Hence, I am warning people against getting involved in such transactions. Strict action will be taken if necessary.”
Caution needed in chit funds as well
Replying to a question on chit fund transactions, he said, “There are several issues in chit fund business. There is a possibility that those who pay till the end may not get the money, leading to legal issues later. Therefore, I am advising people to stay away from such transactions.”
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