Hubballi, May 17:
The Karnataka Dalit Vimochana Samiti (R) Dalit Leaders Mr. Shridhar kundgol Mr. Suresh Kanapur has submitted a memorandum to Dr.Nagalakshmi Karnataka State Women’s Commission alleging serious lapses in the implementation of welfare schemes for former Devadasi women across the state.
In the letter submitted on Saturday, the organization claimed that thousands of former Devadasi women are not receiving monthly pensions and other rehabilitation benefits on time despite several government schemes being announced for their welfare.
The organization stated that more than 46,000 former Devadasi women live in Karnataka and depend heavily on government support programmes, including housing assistance, land schemes and monthly financial aid. However, activists alleged that the delivery mechanism has become ineffective, particularly because rehabilitation work is being handled through outsourced arrangements.
According to the memorandum, the Devadasi Rehabilitation Project Unit has failed to function efficiently, leaving many beneficiaries struggling without regular support. The organization demanded that the rehabilitation programme be placed directly under government administration with permanent staff overseeing implementation.
The memorandum also referred to a large protest march held in Dharwad on March 3, 2025, during which activists appealed to the state government through district authorities. The protest sought intervention from Chief Minister and departments handling women’s welfare and social justice.
Activists claimed that assurances were made during the Belagavi Assembly session by Women and Child Welfare Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar regarding corrective measures. However, they alleged that the promises have not yet translated into action.
The organization further accused authorities of conducting an incomplete resurvey of former Devadasi women ordered by the government last December. According to the letter, irregularities in the survey process resulted in some eligible women being excluded from welfare benefits.
The memorandum included district-level data from Dharwad, stating that 763 former Devadasi women had been identified in earlier surveys conducted during 1993-94 and 2007-08. Of them, 433 are currently living, 72 have migrated, and 258 have passed away. The organization said only 368 women are presently receiving monthly assistance.
The Karnataka Dalit Vimochana Samiti urged the Women’s Commission and the state government to take immediate action to ensure timely pensions, transparent surveys and proper rehabilitation support for former Devadasi women.
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