Three Reforms That Make Karnataka India’s Most Progressive State

*This is a sponsored feature by Karnataka Government.

Over the last two decades, Karnataka has witnessed an economic revolution that’s made it India’s knowledge and IT capital. With this success comes the realization that economic progress cannot proceed without simultaneous social advancement.

The government’s maverick Vision 2020 plan ensures that society’s weakest members are protected and aided by the law and have full access to social security benefits. Recent schemes to support and encourage the differently-abled, low-income students, scheduled castes and tribal people have made Karnataka a pioneer in inclusive development and policy making.

The true measure of an equal and compassionate society can be seen in how it treats its most disadvantaged citizens. Reforms to protect transgenders, the socially vulnerable and the landless poor have earned Karnataka the title of India’s most progressive state.

Equal rights for transgenders

Sexual minorities, such as transgendered people, have been marginalized and isolated for most of India’s history. Karnataka has taken the lead in making welfare programs more inclusive and equitable, and ensuring no one is left out of the mainstream.

In 2013, the Honourable Chief Minister introduced the Mythri initiative, in which sexual minorities over the age of 40 are eligible for a Rs 500 monthly stipend. Under this scheme, they qualify for an old-age pension once they turn 64. This is the first such program in the country.

In 2017, the state unveiled a new policy on transgenders that aims to remove legal prejudice. Transgenders are now covered under sexual assault, sexual harassment and domestic violence laws under Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code.

The new policy stresses that law enforcement agencies should act against anyone who violates the rights of transgendered people, and sanctions free legal aid to those experiencing discrimination and violence.

Additionally, the 2017-2018 state budget modified to Rs 25,000 the incentive for former devadasis, sex workers and transgendered people, under the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP). They are also eligible for a Rs 25,000 loan per capita.

Eliminating outdated and superstitious practices

Using violence to exploit vulnerable people in the name of so-called “black magic” has stifled human development and progress for too long. Victims of such cruel exercises are often found on the sidelines of society, isolated because of their caste, status or job.

The recently passed Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Bill, 2017 is a positive step toward ending such outdated and superstitious activities.

These include forcing people to engage in humiliating and inhumane activities under the pretext of ridding them from evil spirits, indulging in certain practices as part of “supernatural” powers and other superstitions. Acts directed against women, animals and self-inflicted injuries also fall within the ambit of the bill.

Those who propagate, promote and execute such ideas will be held to account under this new law. These retrograde actions are used to emphasise differences in caste, gender and social status, which ultimately weakens Karnataka’s social fabric. They are affront to human dignity that can only be curbed with with legislation, education and vigilance.

Eradicating backward practices and moving toward science-based reasoning and logic will ultimately lead to a fairer, more just society.

Emboldening others through ownership

Home and land ownership are empowering tools of self-determination and independence. Too many people have been deprived of this opportunity in the past, but in 2017, the state government amended the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961.

The amendment documents roughly 58,000 unrecorded inhabitants of camps, colonies and villages, bringing these so-called “revenue villages” under the purview of the law. Agricultural labourers who live on land not registered under their name can get a certificate of ownership legitimizing their presence.

The government will allot funds to improve infrastructure, transportation and drinking water in specified areas affected by this law. Those eligible under this change will have one year to register as land owners. They will not have to pay out of pocket for any paperwork or registration formalities.