Introduction:
The Ganga Kalyana Scheme, launched in 1996–97, stands as one of Karnataka’s flagship irrigation initiatives aimed at uplifting small and marginal farmers (SMFs) belonging to marginalized communities—initially Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)—and later expanded to include Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and minority groups
Objectives and Rationale
At its core, the scheme seeks to remedy the chronic water scarcity and poor irrigation infrastructure that hinder productivity for small-scale farmers. By providing access to groundwater through borewell drilling, pump installations, and necessary electrification, Ganga Kalyana enhances agricultural output and farmers’ livelihoods This intervention is especially critical given the increasing pressures on water resources due to population growth, climate stress, and urbanization
Eligible Beneficiaries
Eligibility criteria are carefully designed to prioritize the most vulnerable:
- Resident of Karnataka.
- Belonging to SC/ST, OBC, or minority communities.
- Classified as a small or marginal farmer.
- Annual family income below specified thresholds (e.g., INR 22,000–96,000, varying by source and region)
A distinction exists between:
- Individual schemes—for farmers with at least 2 hectares, receiving support for one borewell,
- Community schemes—for groups managing 8–20 acres collectively, receiving multiple borewells based on acreage Munich Personal RePEc Archive.
Support Provided
The scheme supplies:
- Free or highly subsidized borewell drilling,
- Pump sets, including accessories,
- Electrification of the tube well system
Various estimates cite subsidy amounts ranging from INR 1.5 lakh to INR 3.5 lakh per installation— depending on district, land size, and project scale
Implementation and Governance
Several Karnataka State Government corporations administer the scheme, each focusing on different beneficiary communities:
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Development Corporation (SCs)
- Karnataka State Tribal Development Corporation (STs)
- D. Devaraj Urs Backward Class Development Corporation (BCs)
- Karnataka Minority Development Corporation (minorities)
- Karnataka Vishwakarma Community Development Corporation (Vishwakarmas)
Standardized service providers across the state—construction, pumping, and electrification agencies—ensure consistent infrastructure delivery
Application and Selection Process
The annual application cycle runs roughly from May to July. Farmers submit documentation to district-level corporations, followed by approval from a taluk-level selection committee chaired by the MLA . Eligible beneficiaries undergo a site inspection by engineers or geologists before the installation process begins
Impact and Coverage
While the scheme has successfully reached thousands of farmers, demand continues to outpace supply. Between 2015–16 and 2017–18, less than 10% of SC small and marginal farmers across many districts received benefits. Districts like Chitradurga (7.11%), Belagavi (5.60%), and Kalaburgi (4.48%) recorded higher participation, whereas coastal or hilly regions—such as Kodagu (1.14%) and Udupi (3.59%)—had lower uptake due to lesser demand for borewell irrigation This uneven reach signals both operational successes and the need for improved outreach and resource allocation in underserved areas.
Conclusion
The Ganga Kalyana Scheme exemplifies a well-conceived, socially inclusive irrigation policy—designed to strengthen water access and agricultural resilience among Karnataka’s vulnerable farming communities. Through targeted support for infrastructure, focusing on marginalized groups, it addresses core challenges of equity and resource availability.