KARNATAKA SOCIAL WELFARE MINISTRY REDEFINING WELFARE

The Government of Karnataka is paving the way for positive change, ensuring that welfare programs reach those who need them most, creating a future of equality and empowerment. Under the visionary leadership of Karnataka's Social Welfare Minister Dr. H C Mahadevappa, transformative policies are driving inclusive growth, justice, empowering SC/ST communities, and shaping a future where every citizen thrives.

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EDUCATIONAL SCHEMES

The Social Welfare Department of Karnataka runs an extensive range of educational schemes aimed at supporting Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students from primary to higher education levels. One of the major initiatives is the maintenance of government hostels. There are currently 1,215 pre-matric hostels and 699 post-matric hostels for SC students, along with 136 pre-matric and 119 post-matric hostels for ST students. Additionally, 68 Ashrama Schools cater to SC students and 119 for ST students, covering students from classes 1 to 5. Collectively, these hostels accommodate around 2.01 lakh students. Students are provided with a wide range of facilities including uniforms (two sets annually), notebooks, stationery, monthly ShuchiSambrama Kits, shoes, haircut costs, newspapers, magazines, medical expenses, sports equipment, solar water heaters, water purifiers, and bedding supplies.

Complementing the hostel system, the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS), established in 2000, manages 841 residential schools, with 519 for SCs, 148 for STs, and 174 for backward classes. Each school accommodates 250 students and provides education free of cost, from Class 6 to Class 10 (and in some cases up to Class 12). English is the medium of instruction, and currently about 2.25 lakh students are enrolled under this scheme.