Karnataka Budget 2018: Encouragement for women entrepreneurs

The state government has announced a proposal to start transit hostels for women coming to Bengaluru for interviews for employment, various entrance examinations etc with the assistance of voluntary organisations and private partnership.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced Rs 2 crore grants to build a positive mindset about women, safe atmosphere for women and to create awareness about gender among government employees, community policing volunteers, resident welfare association, students and colleges, especially boys. An outlay of Rs. 5,371 crore has been provided to Women and Child Development Department.

He said Rs 1 crore will be provided to start a comprehensive information resources portal for women to communicate essential information related to schemes, facilities and amenities for women.

To promote women entrepreneurs,   preference will be given in public procurement (catering, housekeeping, solid waste management in the local areas of the cities, etc) for self-help groups and representatives of women entrepreneurs.

Under 'Udyogini Scheme' for Special and General category women, the maximum limit of loan will be increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, subsidy at 30% of the loan amount, income limit of the family to Rs 1.5 lakh and age limit for all categories
will be increased from 45 to 55 years.

An amount of Rs 1 crore will be provided to NGOs at divisional levels to establish Ashraya Centre to provide care and protection to HIV/AIDS infected women who are neglected by their families and societies.

Loan for scooter purchase

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced an interest-free loan of Rs 50,000 for the purchase of scooters for 2,503 anganwadi supervisers to improve their efficiency.

The interest-free loan will be given through Karnataka Women Development Corporation where Rs 1,000 per month will also be given as fuel expenses.

An amount of Rs 17.50 crore has been earmarked to start 250 new anganwadi centres in urban areas and Rs 10 crore is earmarked to set up 100 mobile anganwadi centres /crèches in areas of working of construction labourers to take care of their children.

It is proposed to upgrade 1,000 buildings of anganwadis under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan and Tribal Sub Plan and Rs.20 crore has been earmarked for it.

Separate directorate

A separate directorate for
child protection has been proposed and the nutrition level of children in anganwadis will be measured.

An amount of Rs 1 crore grant will be provided for coaching in English, Law, Sports, Fine Arts, preparation for Competitive Examinations and training in Skill Development required for livelihood to children residing in Juvenile Homes and Observation Homes.

An amount of Rs 3 crore will be provided to convert Juvenile Courts functioning into child friendly courts in selected 10 districts

Disability pension up  

The monthly pension for the differently abled persons with more than 75% disability will be increased by Rs 200. For those with less than 75% disability, it   will be increased by Rs 100.

About 8.46 lakh differently abled persons will be benefited with the a grant of Rs 146 crore.

A grant of Rs 1.80 crore for each of the four revenue divisions will be provided to establish professional training centres on experimental basis to train the mentally challenged adults and to engage them in professional activities to aim for inclusive growth as per the United Nations 2030 Development Agenda.  

Quota increased

The government will provide 4% reservation in Group A and B posts to persons with disability as per the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016. There is already 5% reservation in Group C and D posts.

Depending on the percentage of disability giving priority to women, 5% reservation will
be given in all schemes and developmental programmes, distribution of agricultural land and housing.

There will be 5% reservation in allotment of land with concessional rate to encourage the commencement of lodging for, profession, trade, business, employment, entertainment centers and manufacturing centres, if the land is used for these purposes.