In Gadag district's Kotabal village, Gruhalaxmi scheme beneficiaries who are also members of the School Development Monitoring Committee (SDMC) have sponsored school bags for students using a portion of their scheme funds. In another collective effort, beneficiaries from Kotabal and Kuratti villages have mobilised Rs 5 lakh to construct a shelter for the village deity's chariot, drawing attention from district education officials and the public.
Women's Contribution to Government Schools
Renuka Awari, Rekha Kodikoppad, Huligevva Patil, Manjula Chandargi, Nagaratna Chavadi, Girija Gadad, Yashoda Sandimani, Vijayalaxmi Vastrad, Manjula Madar, and Suvarna Patil, all SDMC members, told TOI that since Gruhalaxmi money comes from the government, they decided to spend a part of it for government school students. “It’s our bit to save government schools which are in pathetic condition in the state. We hope that our small contribution will attract more students to the government school in our village,” they added.
Recognition from Education Officials
RS Buradi, Deputy Director of School Education, Gadag, said the women's contribution is a source of pride and a role model for society. “Apart from sending their children to the school, they distributed bags to 50 needy students,” he added.
Chariot Shelter Construction
Saroja Nellur said that, inspired by Adavisiddeshwar Swami, many women from Kotabal and neighbouring Kuratti village contributed part of their Gruhalaxmi amount for the construction of the chariot shelter. “Swamiji suggested all women contribute, and many women offered donations of their convenience from Rs 1,000 to 10,000, and we could mobilise Rs 5 lakh. Now, the construction of the chariot shelter will start after this rainy season,” she said.
Political Acknowledgment
Ron MLA GS Patil said women of Kotabal have emerged as role models by spending a part of Gruhalaxmi money for society. “We thank former CM Siddaramaiah and current CM DK Shivakumar for implementing such schemes in the interest of poor and rural people,” he added.
