KPSC/KAS Mains question & Answer -2025

Question 2: Discuss the significance of schemes like Mathrupoorna and Santhwana in addressing the nutritional and psychological well-being of women in Karnataka. How can such welfare initiatives contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the state? (250 words)

Answer:

The Mathrupoorna Programme is a significant step toward improving maternal health in Karnataka. By providing nutritious meals to pregnant and lactating women, the scheme helps combat malnutrition, ensuring healthier pregnancies and reducing infant mortality rates. Better maternal nutrition leads to healthier children, contributing to the state’s long-term human capital development.

The Santhwana Scheme addresses the psychological and social well-being of women by offering counseling and support to victims of violence and abuse. This initiative provides timely intervention, legal assistance, and rehabilitation, helping women regain their confidence and reintegrate into society.

Such welfare initiatives have a profound impact on the socio-economic development of the state. Improved maternal health through Mathrupoorna ensures a healthy workforce in the future, while psychological support through Santhwana helps victims recover and contribute productively to society. Moreover, empowering women through these schemes leads to increased participation in the workforce, higher family incomes, and better educational outcomes for children.

To further enhance their impact, the government can:

Expand the reach of Mathrupoorna to cover all remote areas.

Increase funding for Santhwana centers and ensure their presence in every district.

Integrate vocational training with these programs to enable women’s economic independence.

These initiatives not only improve the quality of life for women but also contribute to the holistic development of Karnataka’s economy and society.