Mallawwa Meti, a member of the Mantur Gram Panchayat, has utilized ₹26,000 from her 13 months of payments under the Gruhalakshmi scheme, along with her membership honorarium, to establish a library in Mantur village, Raibag taluk, Belagavi. This initiative aims to assist rural students in preparing for competitive exams such as KPSC and UPSC.
Inaugurated on Sunday, the library provides study materials for these exams in both Kannada and English. The Gruhalakshmi scheme, initiated by the Karnataka government, offers financial support of ₹2,000 monthly to women heads of households, facilitating direct cash transfers to help manage household expenses while promoting women’s financial independence, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.
Mallawwa explained her motivation: “Rural students struggle to access coaching centers, which are typically located in cities like Belagavi, Hubballi, and Dharwad. The accommodation costs can reach ₹5,000, which most farming families cannot afford. I wanted to support students who lack this access.” After discussing her vision with educated villagers, they assisted her in setting up the library and contributed books under the banner of “Sankalp Gram Seva Sanste.”
She noted that many students in the village dropped out after grade 10 due to the absence of nearby educational facilities, while others could not afford coaching fees. “I aimed to help parents see their dreams of their children achieving higher positions come true,” she added.
Mantur Gram Panchayat president Shobha Myagadi remarked that the library has sparked enthusiasm among local youth. “On Sunday, the library was buzzing with students eagerly browsing through the books. It was uplifting to witness their eagerness to learn,” she noted.
Mallawwa, who completed her education up to grade 7 and previously served a term as gram panchayat president, ensured the library is well-equipped. She has provided multiple copies of each book to minimize wait times for students.
The library features book cabins, fans, furniture, battery backup for electricity, and clean drinking water, creating an ideal study environment. Open from 10 am to 8 pm, the library has already positively impacted the community. “Youth who once loitered in public spaces are now engaging in their studies at the library. It’s a welcome change,” Shobha added.
Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar commended the initiative, saying, “It’s encouraging to see Gruhalakshmi beneficiaries using their funds for family welfare. Mallawwa’s actions are unique and inspiring, making her a role model for others.”
