In a powerful move towards inclusive development, G. Padmavathi, the visionary chairperson of the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation, has issued a heartfelt appeal. She is urging former Devadasis and members of sexual minority communities to enthusiastically engage in the state government’s ongoing resurvey, a crucial step to guarantee their rightful place and access to essential welfare schemes.
Addressing a review meeting on the corporation’s achievements at the district administrative complex in Ballari, Ms. Padmavati emphasized the profound importance of this new initiative. While similar surveys took place in 1994-95 and 2007-08, this current endeavor, personally championed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, is designed to deeply integrate former Devadasis and sexual minorities into mainstream society. The goal is to comprehensively tackle their social, educational, economic, and political challenges, paving the way for a more equitable future.
Members of sexual minority groups taking part in a review meeting of the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation at the conference hall of the district administrative complex in Ballari on Tuesday.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
“This 45-day survey, featuring an extensive 150-question format, has already garnered a positive response,” Ms. Padmavati stated. She urged all officials and enumerators to approach this task with utmost dedication, ensuring comprehensive coverage without taking unnecessary leave. Certificates issued based on this survey will be instrumental in enabling beneficiaries to access various government welfare initiatives.
Ms. Padmavati underscored the critical need for government schemes to reach the most vulnerable women, including those living in poverty, HIV-positive women, and sexual minorities. She highlighted the pivotal role of officers as facilitators, bridging the gap between the community and the government.
Excitingly, she announced that sexual minorities are now eligible for the Gruha Lakshmi housing scheme, and active efforts are underway to extend ration card benefits to them as well, further strengthening their support system.
The chairperson spotlighted a range of empowerment schemes like Udyogini, Sanjeevini, Chaitanya, Amrutha, and Samruddhi, all designed to provide crucial loans, subsidies, and other forms of assistance for women’s upliftment. She firmly urged officials to ensure their swift and efficient implementation, preventing any undue delays.
Reinforcing the importance of the survey, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohammed N. Zubair noted that it would play a key role in identifying eligible former Devadasis and sexual minorities for vital housing and land benefits, in addition to facilitating access to loans for those eager to embark on entrepreneurial ventures.
The event also saw the distribution of identity cards to sexual minority members Sangeetha, Makappa, Sudugadappa, and Prakash, symbolizing their recognition and inclusion. Beneficiaries Salma, Ashwini, and Ghousia Banu received their orders under the impactful Gruha Lakshmi scheme.
A highlight of the meeting was the release of informative wall posters promoting the resurvey. Community leaders Lakshmamma, Parvin Bhanu, Rajamma, Salma, and K.N. Renuka Pujar were also felicitated for their tireless social service.
The significant gathering was attended by Corporation managing director Akkamahadevi, Deputy Director of Women and Child Development Department Ramakrishna Nayak, District Information Officer Savita, alongside numerous officials and dedicated representatives from Devadasi and sexual minority organizations spanning Ballari, Sandur, and Siruguppa taluks.