Dhanashree Scheme, implemented by the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC), provides eligible HIV positive and HIV affected women with a one time financial assistance of Rs. 45,000 to start self employment activities and create a sustainable source of income. Applications can be submitted through Bapuji Seva Kendra, Grama One, Bengaluru One, and Karnataka One centres.
Karnataka Dhanashree Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Dhanashree Scheme |
| Implementing Agency | Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC) |
| Administrative Department | Women and Child Development Department |
| Target Beneficiaries | HIV positive and HIV affected women |
| Objective | Promote self employment and financial independence |
| Financial Assistance | One time incentive of Rs. 45,000 |
| Previous Assistance Amount | Rs. 30,000 |
| Latest Update | Incentive enhanced in Karnataka Budget 2026-27 |
| Age Eligibility | 18 to 60 years |
| Payment Method | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Bank Requirement | Aadhaar seeded bank account |
| Selection Authority | District Level Committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner |
| Application Mode | Offline assisted application through Seva Sindhu service centres |
| Official Website | kswdc.karnataka.gov.in |
Introduction of Karnataka Dhanashree Scheme: A Brief Insight
Women living with HIV often face challenges that extend far beyond healthcare. Along with managing treatment, many struggle to find stable employment and a reliable source of income. To support such women in building a secure and independent future, the Government of Karnataka implements the Dhanashree Scheme.
The scheme is administered by the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC) under the Department of Women and Child Development. Its primary objective is to help HIV positive and HIV affected women establish small income generating activities and become financially self reliant.
Under the Dhanashree Scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive a one time financial assistance of Rs. 45,000. The assistance amount was enhanced from Rs. 30,000 in the Karnataka Budget 2026-27 presented by the Siddaramaiah Government, strengthening support for women seeking self employment opportunities.
The financial assistance is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Beneficiaries can utilise the amount for activities such as tailoring, dairy farming, petty shops, food preparation, handicrafts, livestock rearing, and other small business ventures that generate regular income.
Women aged between 18 and 60 years, who are permanent residents of Karnataka and possess a valid ART Card or ICTC certificate confirming HIV positive or HIV affected status, can apply under the scheme. Final selection is carried out by a District Level Committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner.
Applications are submitted through authorised government service centres such as Bapuji Seva Kendra, Grama One, Bengaluru One, and Karnataka One centres using the Seva Sindhu platform. Applicants may also contact their district Women and Child Development office for guidance and assistance during the application process.
Women undergoing TB treatment alongside HIV care can also benefit from the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which provides nutritional support during treatment. For healthcare expenses, eligible families can access benefits under Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana, while senior citizens aged 70 years and above may receive health coverage through the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme.
Women looking for self employment assistance, financial support, and other welfare programmes can explore additional initiatives listed on our Karnataka Government Welfare Schemes List page.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Karnataka Government’s Dhanashree Scheme aims to strengthen the financial security of HIV Positive and HIV Affected women by helping them start or expand small income generating activities. The scheme provides direct financial assistance, enabling beneficiaries to create a sustainable source of livelihood and become economically independent.
Financial Assistance Provided
- One time financial assistance of Rs. 45,000, as revised under the Karnataka Budget 2026-27
- The assistance amount was previously Rs. 30,000
- Funds are transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Permitted Income Generating Activities
Beneficiaries can use the financial assistance to start or strengthen small self-employment ventures such as tailoring, petty shops, dairy farming, livestock rearing, food processing activities, handicrafts, and other approved livelihood projects.
Key Improvements in the Scheme
- The scheme initially provided support through a combination of subsidy and bank-linked assistance
- The current model focuses on direct financial assistance, reducing dependence on loans and repayment obligations
- The enhanced assistance of Rs. 45,000 announced in 2026-27 also extends to beneficiaries covered under the Chetana Scheme, former Devadasis, and gender minorities
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Government of Karnataka’s Dhanashree Scheme has been designed to support HIV Positive and HIV Affected women in Karnataka who wish to become financially independent through self-employment or other income generating activities. Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility conditions before submitting an application.
- Applicant must be a woman
- Must be a permanent resident of Karnataka
- Age should be between 18 and 60 years
- Must be HIV Positive or HIV Affected, supported by a valid ART Card or certificate issued by an ICTC or ART Centre
- Must possess an Aadhaar linked bank account for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Must be interested in starting or expanding an income generating activity or self-employment venture
Who Cannot Apply
- Male applicants
- Applicants who are not residents of Karnataka
- Women below 18 years or above 60 years of age
- Applicants unable to produce valid HIV related medical proof
- Individuals who do not meet the scheme’s prescribed eligibility requirements
Documents Required to be Attached
Applicants seeking benefits under the Dhanashree Scheme of the Karnataka Government must submit a few essential documents to verify their identity, residence, banking details, and eligibility under the scheme. Keeping all documents ready in advance can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process.
- Aadhaar Card, linked with an active mobile number for OTP verification
- Residence Proof, such as Ration Card, Voter ID Card, or Residential Certificate
- ART Card or Medical Certificate, issued by an ICTC or ART Centre, confirming HIV Positive or HIV Affected status
- Bank Passbook, showing the applicant’s account number and IFSC code
- Recent Passport Size Photograph
- Project Report or Business Proposal, describing the income generating activity or self-employment venture proposed under the scheme
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Applying for the Dhanashree Scheme is simple because the entire application process is completed through authorised government service centres. If you’re applying for the first time, the centre operator will help you fill in the details and submit the application online.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Visit your nearest Bapuji Seva Kendra, Grama One, Bengaluru One, or Karnataka One centre. These centres process Dhanashree Scheme applications through the official Seva Sindhu Portal.
Step 2: Inform the operator that you want to apply for the Dhanashree Scheme implemented by the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC).
Step 3: Provide your Aadhaar number. An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Share the OTP with the operator to complete your identity verification.
Step 4: Provide your personal details carefully, including your name, age, residential address, mobile number, and other information requested in the application form.
Step 5: Submit your bank account details, including your account number, bank name, and IFSC code. This is important because the financial assistance is transferred directly to your bank account through DBT.
Step 6: Hand over your required documents for scanning and uploading. These may include your Aadhaar Card, residence proof, ART Card or ICTC certificate, bank passbook, photograph, and a brief description of the income generating activity you wish to undertake.
Step 7: Before final submission, carefully review all details displayed on the screen. Once you confirm that everything is correct, ask the operator to submit your application and collect the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
What Happens After the Submission of Application
Step 1: After submission, your application is forwarded to the concerned district authorities of the Women and Child Development Department and KSWDC for verification.
Step 2: Officials verify your eligibility, documents, bank details, and HIV related certification submitted with the application.
Step 3: A District Level Committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner examines eligible applications and selects beneficiaries as per the scheme guidelines.
Step 4: Once your application is approved, the sanctioned financial assistance is transferred directly to your Aadhaar linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Important: Applications are accepted only during the application period announced by KSWDC. Before visiting the service centre, check the latest notification on the official KSWDC website or contact your district office to confirm whether applications are currently being accepted.
Difference Between Dhanashree Scheme and Chetana Scheme
Both Dhanashree Scheme and Chetana Scheme are implemented by the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC) and currently provide financial assistance of Rs. 45,000. However, the target beneficiaries and objectives of the two schemes are different.
| Feature | Dhanashree Scheme | Chetana Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | HIV positive and HIV affected women | Women engaged in sex work |
| Main Objective | Promote self employment and financial stability for women living with HIV | Support alternative livelihood opportunities and social rehabilitation |
| Eligibility Proof | ART Card or certificate from ICTC or ART Centre | Documents prescribed under the Chetana Scheme guidelines |
| Financial Assistance | Rs. 45,000 | Rs. 45,000 |
| Selection Process | District Level Committee approval | District Level Committee approval |
| Implementing Agency | Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC) | Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC) |
Note: Before applying, women should carefully check the eligibility conditions of both schemes. Dhanashree Scheme is specifically meant for HIV positive and HIV affected women, whereas Chetana Scheme is designed for women engaged in sex work. Submitting the correct eligibility documents is essential for approval.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- Dhanashree Scheme Official Information Page
- Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation Official Website
- Seva Sindhu Portal for Dhanashree Scheme Application Services
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Implementing Agency: Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC), Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Karnataka
- District Level: Office of the Deputy Director, Women and Child Development Department, in your district
- Assisted Application Help: Nearest Bapuji Seva Kendra, Grama One, Bengaluru One or Karnataka One centre
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. Dhanashree Scheme is a livelihood assistance programme implemented by the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC) to help HIV positive and HIV affected women start income generating activities and become financially self reliant.
Ans. Women aged between 18 and 60 years, who are permanent residents of Karnataka and possess valid proof of HIV positive or HIV affected status, can apply under the scheme.
Ans. Eligible beneficiaries can receive a one time financial incentive of Rs. 45,000 to support a small business or self employment activity.
Ans. The approved amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar linked bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Ans. Applications can be submitted through authorised government service centres such as Bapuji Seva Kendra, Grama One, Bengaluru One, or Karnataka One centres using the Seva Sindhu Portal.
Ans. Applicants must submit a valid ART Card or a certificate issued by an ICTC or ART Centre confirming HIV positive or HIV affected status.
Ans. The assistance can be used for various small income generating activities such as tailoring, petty shops, dairy farming, livestock rearing, food processing, handicrafts, and other approved self employment ventures.
Ans. Applications are scrutinised and approved by a District Level Committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner after verifying eligibility and supporting documents.
Ans. The current scheme provides financial assistance as an incentive. Applicants should verify the latest guidelines issued by KSWDC at the time of application for any updated conditions.
Ans. No. Applications are accepted only during the period notified by KSWDC. Applicants should regularly check official notifications before applying.
Ans. Yes. Dhanashree Scheme specifically supports HIV positive and HIV affected women, whereas Chetana Scheme is designed for female sex workers, transgender persons, and former Devadasis.
Ans. Applicants can contact the district office of the Women and Child Development Department, visit the nearest authorised service centre, or refer to the official KSWDC website for guidance.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.