Introduction The Dhanashree Scheme is a livelihood support initiative launched in 2016 to promote financial independence among HIV-positive and HIV-affected women. It is implemented by the Karnataka State Women's Development Corporation (KSWDC) and supports eligible applicants who wish to start an income-generating activity. Under the scheme, eligible women receive a one-time incentive to establish or develop a small business. Suitable activities may include tailoring, dairy farming, livestock rearing, petty shops, food processing, small retail ventures and other approved self-employment activities. The assistance is provided as a grant-like incentive rather than a repayable loan. The incentive was increased from ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 for 2026–27, according to the supplied scheme information. The amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training is also provided to help beneficiaries manage their proposed business. Latest Update: Applications for the 2026–27 cycle are open, and the stated deadline is 31 October 2026, 5:30 PM. Applicants should confirm the latest instructions with KSWDC or their district office before submitting their forms. Benefits Financial Assistance: Eligible women can receive a one-time incentive of ₹45,000 to begin an approved self-employment activity. No Repayment: The incentive is not a loan, so beneficiaries do not have to repay the amount. Direct Bank Transfer: The approved assistance is transferred to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-seeded bank account through DBT. Entrepreneurship Training: EDP training helps beneficiaries understand the basics of starting and operating a business. Multiple Business Options: Assistance may support activities such as tailoring, dairy farming, livestock rearing, petty shops, food processing and small service businesses, subject to approval. No Income Ceiling: The supplied eligibility details do not prescribe a maximum family income limit. Economic Independence: The scheme aims to improve women's livelihood opportunities, financial security and social inclusion. Enhanced Assistance: The incentive increased from ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 for the 2026–27 scheme year. Eligibility Applicants must meet the prescribed conditions to be considered for the Karnataka Dhanashree Scheme: Residence: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Karnataka. Age: She must be between 20 and 55 years old. Eligible Category: The scheme is intended for HIV-positive women, HIV-affected women—including wives of HIV-positive men—and unmarried daughters of HIV-affected families. Bank Account: An active bank account linked to the applicant's Aadhaar number is required. Aadhaar-Linked Mobile: The applicant's mobile number must be linked to Aadhaar for OTP verification during online submission. Business Plan: She must propose an income-generating activity and provide the required project report or activity plan. Medical Proof: A medical certificate issued by an ICTC or ART Centre, or an ART Card, must be submitted. Previous Assistance: Women who have already received benefits under another scheme of the Corporation are not eligible for another benefit under this condition. Family Restriction: Only one eligible woman per family can receive assistance under the scheme. Income and Education: No minimum educational qualification or family income ceiling is specified in the supplied eligibility details. Note: According to the supplied 2026–27 notification details, applicants who applied in an earlier year but were not selected do not need to submit a fresh application. Applicants should confirm this provision with KSWDC before taking further action. Documents Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying. The concerned service centre or district office may request additional documents during verification. Aadhaar Card Proof of permanent residence in Karnataka Bank passbook copy showing the account details Medical certificate issued by an ICTC or ART Centre, or an ART Card Project report or business plan describing the proposed self-employment activity Passport-size photographs Recommendation letter, if applying under the discretionary quota Any additional documents requested by KSWDC or the concerned district office Ensure that your bank account is seeded with Aadhaar and your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar, as these details are required for application verification and direct transfer of the incentive. Process to Apply Applications for the Karnataka Dhanashree Scheme can be submitted online through designated service centres or offline at the concerned district office. The stated deadline for the 2026–27 cycle is 31 October 2026, at 5:30 PM. Online Application Through a Service Centre Visit a nearby Bapuji Seva Kendra, Grama One, Bengaluru One or Karnataka One centre. Ask the operator to help you apply for the Dhanashree Scheme under the Karnataka State Women's Development Corporation. Complete Aadhaar-based OTP verification using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Provide your personal information, including name, age, residential address and contact details. Describe the proposed self-employment activity and its estimated cost. Provide your bank account details, including the bank name, branch, account number and IFSC code. Submit the required documents for scanning and uploading, including residence proof, bank passbook, medical proof, photograph and project report. Review the entered information carefully and ask the operator to correct any errors before submission. Submit the application by the deadline and collect the acknowledgement slip or reference number. Offline Application Through the District Office Visit the office of the District Deputy Director of the Department of Women and Child Development or the Development Inspector of KSWDC in your district. Request the prescribed Dhanashree Scheme application form. Prepare a project report explaining the proposed business or income-generating activity. Fill in the form with your personal details, contact information, address, bank details and business plan. Attach self-attested copies of the required documents. Submit the completed application and supporting papers at the concerned office before the deadline. Collect an acknowledgement or receipt as proof of submission. Application Under the Discretionary Quota Obtain a recommendation letter from an eligible authority, as specified in the scheme instructions. The supplied details mention a Karnataka Government Minister, a Member of the Legislative Assembly or the Chairperson of KSWDC. Carry the recommendation letter and other required documents to a designated service centre. Complete the application submission through the Seva Sindhu portal with assistance from the operator. Submit the application by the notified deadline and retain the acknowledgement. Selection and Payment: Officials verify applications and supporting documents before eligible cases are placed before the district-level committee headed by the District Commissioner. The committee assesses the proposed activity and selects beneficiaries. Recommended applications are forwarded to KSWDC for sanction. Once approved, the incentive is transferred to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-seeded bank account, and EDP training is provided. Important Links and Contact Purpose Official Link or Contact Details KSWDC Official Website Karnataka State Women's Development Corporation Dhanashree Scheme Information Official Dhanashree Scheme Page Scheme Guidelines Dhanashree Scheme Guidelines Self-Employment Information Dhanashree Self-Employment Details Application Portal Karnataka Seva Sindhu Portal Budget 2026–27 Update Dhanashree Scheme Financial Update Department of Women and Child Development Official Department Website KSWDC Contact Numbers 080-26632792, 080-26632973 District-Level Contact Details KSWDC Development Inspector Contacts State Scheme Updates Subscribe for Scheme Updates For questions about eligibility, application documents, the proposed business activity or application status, contact KSWDC or visit the relevant district office. Confirm the current application procedure and deadline before submitting your form. FAQs Q1. What is the Karnataka Dhanashree Scheme?The Karnataka Dhanashree Scheme is a livelihood initiative that provides financial assistance to eligible HIV-positive and HIV-affected women to help them establish self-employment activities. Q2. How much financial assistance is available under the scheme?For 2026–27, the scheme provides a one-time incentive of ₹45,000 to eligible beneficiaries, subject to approval. Q3. Does the beneficiary have to repay the ₹45,000?No. The assistance is provided as a one-time incentive rather than a loan, so repayment is not required. Q4. Who can apply for the Dhanashree Scheme?Permanent residents of Karnataka aged 20–55 who belong to an eligible beneficiary category and meet the prescribed documentation, bank account and business-plan requirements may apply. Q5. Is there an income limit for applicants?No family income ceiling is specified in the supplied eligibility details for the scheme. Q6. Which business activities can be supported?Eligible activities may include tailoring, dairy farming, livestock rearing, petty shops, food processing, small retail ventures and other approved income-generating activities. Q7. What is the last date to apply for the 2026–27 scheme?The supplied notification states that applications must be submitted by 31 October 2026, at 5:30 PM. Q8. Which documents are required for the application?Applicants should prepare Aadhaar, Karnataka residence proof, a bank passbook copy, an ICTC or ART Centre medical certificate or ART Card, a business plan or project report, photographs and any other documents requested by the authorities. Q9. How can I submit an application for the Dhanashree Scheme?You can apply through a designated Bapuji Seva Kendra, Grama One, Bengaluru One or Karnataka One centre using the Seva Sindhu portal, or submit the prescribed form at the concerned district office. Q10. How can I contact the Karnataka State Women's Development Corporation?You can call 080-26632792 or 080-26632973, or visit the official KSWDC website for scheme information and district-level contact details.