Karnataka Budget: Aiding girl power

Realising the need to educate and empower girls, the JD(S)-BJP coalition government in Karnataka, in its maiden Budget, has proposed a plethora of programmes and welfare measures for the girl child.

"I propose to provide a bicycle at government cost to all below poverty line girls, who have enrolled in eigth standard. It will not only boost their self-confidence, but reduce the hardship of reaching schools from distant villages,''state finance minister Yediyurappa noted.

As a special support to girls' education, the 'Kittur Rani Chennamma Puraskara' scheme has been conceptualised. Under this scheme, the cost of professional education of 280 meritorious girls hailing from families below poverty line will be met by the government, he said.

Another important component of the budget is the "Bhagyalakshmi" programme for girls hailing from families below the poverty line. Under this programme, any girl child born after March 31, 2006, will be eligible for Rs 10,000 as fixed deposit.

"This amount, along with interest, can be drawn by the beneficiary after attaining 18 years of age. The amount will be of great assistance in taking care of her future needs," Yediyurappa highlighted.

The scheme will cost Rs 234 crore, he announced.