K'taka launches inclusive livelihood programme for vulnerable populations

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: In a step towards alleviating poverty, the Government of Karnataka, through the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, launched the Karnataka Inclusive Livelihood Programme on Tuesday.

The initiative, spearheaded by Skill Development Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, aims to uplift the state's most vulnerable and poor populations. A memorandum of understanding for the KILP's implementation was signed at Vikasa Soudha by Mission Director of the National Livelihood Mission PI Sree Vidya and India Country Lead for BRAC International Shweta S Banerjee.

The signing ceremony had the presence of Additional Chief Secretary Uma Mahadevan. The programme's pilot phase, with a budget of Rs 23 crore, will initially target 4,000 households across 20 taluks in 10 districts.

These districts, identified for their poor Human Development Index rankings, will benefit from sustainable, gender-equitable and climate-resilient livelihood opportunities.

The programme focuses on empowering women and the most vulnerable groups by providing skill training, enhancing livelihoods and promoting social inclusion and economic prosperity. Minister Patil highlighted that the KILP aims to create sustainable livelihoods and address poverty, inequalities and regional disparities.

The initiative seeks to enhance food and nutritional security, increase income, ensure access to government welfare schemes, and promote gender equity and social empowerment. Uma Mahadevan outlined the programme's ambitious expansion goals, aiming to reach 50,000 households by 2027.