Gadag: Women beneficiaries of the Karnataka government’s Grihalakshmi scheme in Thimmapura village of Gadag district have voluntarily contributed their assistance money towards the construction of a stone temple dedicated to Sri Renuka Yallamma, villagers said.
The initiative comes at a time when debates are ongoing over the financial impact of the state government’s guarantee schemes. However, residents of Thimmapura say the temple project reflects community participation rather than compulsion.
The proposal to build a stone temple for Sri Renuka Yallamma emerged nearly four years ago. Villagers prepared a plan and engaged skilled sculptors from Andhra Pradesh for the work. The total estimated cost of the project is around Rs 1 crore.
In the initial phase, the community collected approximately Rs 50 lakh through local donations. With this amount, the basement and wall construction were completed. However, due to financial constraints and rising costs, the project slowed and halted at certain stages.
With nearly Rs 50 lakh still required to complete the temple, the temple committee and villagers sought alternative sources of funding. Since the Grihalakshmi scheme provides monthly financial assistance to women beneficiaries, they were approached for voluntary contributions.
Women were requested to donate their February instalment under the scheme if they wished to support the temple construction. Out of 850 Grihalakshmi beneficiaries in the village, around 100 women have already contributed, raising approximately Rs 2.5 lakh so far. Villagers aim to collect around Rs 16–17 lakh if all beneficiaries choose to participate.
Members of the temple committee are visiting households to explain the funding requirement and seek support. Temple Trust Committee Treasurer Yallappa Babri said that if all beneficiaries contribute one instalment, a substantial amount can be mobilised, and the temple could be completed within five to six months.
Several women beneficiaries stated that they were contributing voluntarily to resume stalled construction work. Villagers indicated that if the funds collected fall short, further contributions may be considered.
The development highlights a community-led effort where beneficiaries of a welfare scheme have chosen to channel part of their assistance towards a religious and cultural project within the village.
