BENGALURU: The Congress party has claimed that the Karnataka government’s five guarantees implemented over the past two years have delivered "impactful and measurable change".
Congress MP and party's General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh on Friday cited a report from an independent study involving four eminent research and academic institutes that comprehensively evaluated the results of these guarantees.
Jairam Ramesh issued a media statement in this regard, talking about the impact of the "successful" implementation of guarantees. "The verdict is unambiguous: Women are healthier, more mobile, and empowered in the family and in society. Families are making long-term investments in their health and education. Local economies are stronger, with demand boosted at the grassroots."
Jairam Ramesh further shared some of the report's highlights.
Talking about the Shakti (free bus travel) Scheme, he said, "19 per cent of the women beneficiaries found paid work or better jobs due to the mobility provided by buses – in Bengaluru Urban district, this proportion rose to 34 per cent. 80 per cent of the beneficiaries reported increased healthcare access. Notably, 72 per cent of the women surveyed reported that the scheme boosted their self-confidence and empowerment."
Under the Gruha Lakshmi (Rs 2, 000 to women heads) scheme, 94 per cent used some part of the money on supplementing diet and nutrition, 90 per cent on healthcare, and about 50 per cent for their children’s education. Women are overwhelmingly using the funds to make long-term investments in their family’s wellbeing, he stated.