In a fresh push to women’s economic empowerment, the Karnataka government is set to expand the scope of its flagship Gruha Lakshmi scheme by introducing a cooperative model that enables financial self-reliance.
Beneficiaries of the scheme will soon be eligible for low-interest loans up to ₹3 lakh under the newly formed Gruha Lakshmi Multipurpose Cooperative Society, scheduled for launch on November 19 at Bengaluru’s Kanteerava Stadium.
Announcing the initiative, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar said, “We have successfully implemented Gruha Lakshmi, one of the largest social welfare programmes in the world. To take it a step further, we are establishing this cooperative society to help women become self-sufficient and economically independent.”
The new cooperative will enable Gruha Lakshmi beneficiaries—who currently receive a monthly assistance of ₹2,000—to access affordable loans for starting small businesses, pursuing self-employment ventures, or meeting urgent financial needs. The society promises interest rates below market levels, ensuring easier access to credit for women across urban and rural areas.
Hebbalkar also revealed that over 2,000 members have already contributed to the cooperative, with all financial transactions to be conducted transparently through digital platforms like PhonePe. The government aims to expand the society’s network across all districts within three months of the official launch. The initiative marks a significant shift from welfare dependency to cooperative-led empowerment, positioning women not just as beneficiaries but as active participants in Karnataka’s growth story. Through the cooperative framework, the state aims to blend social welfare with sustainable economic opportunity—a model that could inspire similar efforts across India.
