The Karnataka government’s Grihalakshmi scheme, a flagship welfare initiative, has been helping women in the state start small businesses. In many cases, beneficiaries have used the funds to save money, buy fridges, set up shops, or even start libraries.
In Mangaluru, a 39-year old woman is making headlines after she bought a scooter using the scheme’s support to expand her pickle business and make a income for her family.
Zeenat, a 39-year-old widow living in Kallapu in Ullal taluk, has been struggling to make ends meet since her husband’s death. She lives with her elder sister at her parents’ house and has twins studying in Class V in a Kannada medium school. To support her family, she began selling pickles door-to-door a year and a half ago
with the help of her sister Ansira and brother-in-law Solar Haneef.
With the support of the Grihalakshmi scheme, Zeenat managed to save money over the last year and a half. Two months ago, she bought a second-hand scooter using the funds.
The scooter carries photographs of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar and Speaker U.T. Khader. Zeenat said she displayed the photos to express her gratitude for the support she received through the government scheme.
The scooter has transformed Zeenat’s daily routine. She now saves time travelling door-to-door and can reach more customers. She earns between Rs 800 and Rs 900 daily, while her profit per sale ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 300. She said that the scheme has helped her significantly and improved her income.
Zeenat received a total of Rs 50,000 under the Grihalakshmi scheme. She said the support has made a real difference in her life and has helped her become financially independent.
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