Authors: Shaik Mehaboob
Abstract: Government welfare schemes have played a significant role in improving the socio-economic conditions of women in India. In a diverse state like Karnataka, minority women belonging to Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, and Parsi communities often face multiple layers of disadvantage arising from gender inequality, socio-religious marginalization, limited education, and restricted access to employment opportunities. Welfare programmes introduced by both the Government of India and the Government of Karnataka aim to address these inequalities by promoting financial inclusion, self-employment, skill development, credit access, and social security. This study examines the extent to which these welfare schemes contribute to the economic empowerment of minority women in Karnataka. It highlights that although several schemes such as self-help group initiatives, microfinance programmes, entrepreneurship assistance, direct benefit transfers, and livelihood missions have created new opportunities for income generation, awareness and utilization of these schemes remain limited, particularly in rural and backward areas. The study argues that welfare schemes become effective only when they are accessible, well-communicated, and supported by training, institutional linkage, and local-level implementation. It concludes that true economic empowerment requires not only financial assistance but also education, confidence, mobility, and decision-making power among women.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20107948
