Stating that the guarantee schemes had empowered families financially, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot said that as many as 1.37 lakh crore families in Karnataka have received direct financial benefit from one or the other scheme during 2024-25.
Delivering the 77th Republic Day address at Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru, he said that while the State is spending ₹1.12 lakh crore annually to provide economic dynamism to people and strengthen the most backward sections, more than ₹1.13 lakh crores have been disbursed to families under the guarantee schemes. Quoting from the Family Survey Data, he said that 1.37 lakh crore families had benefitted from one government scheme or other during 2024-25.
“Several studies indicated that people’s purchasing power has increased and families are being empowered financially, and new economic and social enthusiasm has emerged among women. Studies have shown that guarantee schemes introduced based on universal basic income have brought significant changes in the lives of women,” he added.
Of the schemes for women, the Governor outlined the 12 days of menstrual leave for women annually, and ‘Akka’ task force, among others.
In line with Kuvempu’s vision of Sarva Janangada Shantiya Thota, Mr. Gehlot said that Karnataka has worked hard to preserve harmony. “Special task forces have been established to further strengthen communal harmony, resulting in sustained peace in communally sensitive areas.” In 2025, the government enacted 76 Acts while 105 rules were consolidated and published, he said.
Initiatives to propel growth
Listing the initiatives of the government that are expected to propel growth in the State, the Governor said that the Local Economy Accelerator Programme has been formulated with ₹1,000 crore with the aim of generating five lakh jobs in the next five years. A Karnataka Quantum Roadmap has been released to build a $20 billion quantum economy by 2035.
“₹1.5 lakh crore worth of projects being undertaken in Bengaluru will accelerate development in the coming days, and ₹83,000 crore spent as capital expenditure has prioritized employment generation.”
Mr. Gehlot said that over 80% of long-pending cases in revenue courts have been disposed of, 91,163 podis have been completed, and 4,050 unrecorded villages have been declared as revenue villages. Approval has been granted to convert B khatha properties to A khatha, which is expected to benefit over 20 lakh people under urban local bodies, he added.
He pointed out that while agreements have been entered into to purchase 3,704 MW of electricty from private companies, State-owned companies have prepared action plans to generate an additional 4,794 MW.
In the field of education, Mr. Gehlot said that recommendations of the Dr. Sukhdeo Thorat Committee are being implemented.
Bengaluru Mysuru, Kalaburagi, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, Mangaluru, Shivamogga and Davanagere are emerging as health hubs, he added.
Federal responsibility
Mr. Gehlot, who last week triggered a Lok Bhavan-government confrontation over his address to the joint session of the legislature, said, “The responsibility of preserving the federal structure without weakening it lies with all of us. If we protect the Constitution, the Constitution will protect us. The Constitution is increasingly becoming relevant day-by-day.
“The most important task before the people is to elect representatives who work with an understanding of the core spirit of the Constitution, and preserve democracy through continuous questioning and dialogue. The true strength of our republic lies in unity in diversity, the dynamism of democratic institutions, and commitment to the values enshrined in our Constitution.”
Published – January 26, 2026 04:28 pm IST
