By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation chairperson G. Padmavathi has called upon former Devadasis and sexual minorities to actively take part in the State government’s ongoing resurvey to ensure their rightful inclusion under welfare schemes.
She was speaking at a review meeting of the corporation’s progress at the conference hall of the district administrative complex in Ballari on Tuesday.
Ms. Padmavati said that similar surveys were conducted in 1994-95 and again in 2007-08. But the present exercise, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, is aimed at bringing former Devadasis and sexual minorities into the mainstream by addressing their social, educational, economic and political concerns.
“This 45-day survey, with a 150 question format, has already received good response. Every official and enumerator must treat it seriously and ensure complete coverage, without taking leave. Certificates will be issued based on the survey so that beneficiaries can make use of welfare schemes,” she said.
Ms. Padmavati stressed that government schemes must reach the most marginalised secons of women, including the poor, HIV-positive women and sexual minorities. She said that officers should function as a bridge between people and the government.
She added that sexual minorities are now eligible under the Gruha Lakshmi housing scheme and efforts are on to extend ration cards to them as well.
The chairperson highlighted that schemes such as Udyogini, Sanjeevini, Chaitanya, Amrutha and Samruddhi provide loans, subsidies and other support for women’s empowerment and urged officials not to delay their implementation.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohammed N. Zubair noted that the survey will help identify eligible former Devadasis and sexual minorities for housing and land benefits, while also facilitating loans for those planning to start enterprises.
On the occasion, identity cards were distributed to sexual minority members Sangeetha, Makappa, Sudugadappa and Prakash.
Orders under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme were handed over to beneficiaries Salma, Ashwini and Ghousia Banu.
Wall posters on the resurvey were released and community leaders Lakshmamma, Parvin Bhanu, Rajamma, Salma and K.N. Renuka Pujar were felicitated for their social service.
Corporation managing director Akkamahadevi, Deputy Director of Women and Child Development Department Ramakrishna Nayak, District Information Officer Savita and several officiers and representatives of Devadasi and sexual minority organisations from Ballari, Sandur and Siruguppa taluks were present.
