The Ganga Kalyan Irrigation Scheme (often called Ganga Kalyana Yojane) is a government initiative in the state of Karnataka, India. It is mainly designed to provide irrigation facilities to small and marginal farmers, especially from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities.
Purpose of the Scheme
- To support farmers who own agricultural land but do not have sufficient water sources for irrigation.
- To promote agricultural development by supplying water through borewells, open wells, or other irrigation sources.
- To increase the agricultural productivity and income of the marginalized sections of society.
Key Features
- Irrigation Support: Water supply through drilling borewells or lift irrigation schemes.
- Beneficiaries: Farmers belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) with land but without irrigation facilities.
- Financial Assistance:
- The government bears the cost of drilling borewells, installing pumps, and providing electrical connections.
- The cost of setting up the irrigation system is either subsidized or fully sponsored depending on eligibility.
- Water Storage: In some cases, small tanks or lifts from nearby rivers or streams are also constructed.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a resident of Karnataka.
- Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
- Should be a landholder (owning agricultural land).
- The land must be suitable for cultivation and lack an existing irrigation facility.
- Annual family income should typically be within prescribed limits (usually around ₹3 lakh, but varies with updates).
How it Works
There are two main types under this project:
- Individual Borewell Scheme:
- For small landholders who require water for personal agricultural land.
- Government drills a borewell on the farmer’s land.
- Provides pumpset, pipeline, and electricity connection.
- Lift Irrigation Scheme (Group Project):
- For a group of farmers.
- Water is lifted from a nearby river, canal, or big water source.
- Pipes and pumps are set up to distribute water across multiple farms.
Financial Norms
- Subsidy Amount: The government offers a subsidy up to ₹3.00 lakh to ₹5.00 lakh (depending on area and scheme type).
- Full Grant: For SC/ST beneficiaries, the scheme is often a 100% grant (no repayment needed).
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Documents Required
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST certificate)
- Income Certificate
- Proof of Land Ownership (RTC, Pahani, etc.)
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Passbook
- Land Map showing the location of the field
- Domicile/Residence Certificate (Karnataka)
- Electricity feasibility report (if required)
Application Process
- Apply online or offline:
- Applications can be submitted through the Karnataka Adijambava Development Corporation, Scheduled Castes Development Corporation, or local Gram Panchayat.
- Some districts also allow online applications via government portals.
- Verification:
- Field officers verify land, eligibility, and irrigation feasibility.
- Approval:
- Once approved, work order is issued for borewell drilling or irrigation construction.
- Implementation:
- Borewell drilling or lift irrigation construction is done.
- Pump sets, pipelines, and electric connections are installed.
- Completion:
- Handover to the beneficiary for their use.
Important Organizations Implementing This Scheme
- Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation
- District Scheduled Caste Development Corporations (DSCDCs)
- Zilla Panchayats
- Department of Social Welfare
Benefits of Ganga Kalyan Irrigation Scheme
- Boosts agricultural production.
- Improves the economic condition of SC/ST farmers.
- Reduces dependency on monsoon rains.
- Empowers marginalized communities through sustainable farming.
- Encourages farmers to use modern agricultural practices.
Challenges Faced
- Groundwater Depletion: Excessive borewell drilling can deplete underground water.
- Electricity Connection Delays: Sometimes delays happen in providing power supply to pump sets.
- Non-viability of Borewells: In some regions, borewells fail due to insufficient underground water.
- Maintenance Issues: Some group irrigation projects face maintenance challenges.
Recent Updates (as of 2025)
- The Karnataka government has increased the subsidy amount for borewell drilling under the SC/ST schemes.
- Solar pump sets are being introduced in some dry regions to ensure sustainable and eco-friendly irrigation.
- Online tracking of applications is being improved through Seva Sindhu portal and other government websites.
Conclusion
The Ganga Kalyan Irrigation Project is a life-changing scheme for SC/ST farmers in Karnataka. It ensures that farmers can irrigate their land properly, grow better crops, and improve their livelihoods. However, successful implementation depends on good water sources, proper drilling techniques, and maintenance support.
