How to Apply for Free Borewell Scheme in Karnataka: Full Guide 2025

How to Apply for Free Borewell Scheme in Karnataka: Full Guide 2025

Access to water is crucial for farmers and rural households across India, particularly in a state like Karnataka where agriculture plays a vital role. To address the water shortage problems faced by small and marginal farmers, the Government of Karnataka launched the Ganga Kalyana Yojana (also referred to as the Karnataka Free Borewell Scheme). This initiative aims to support farmers by drilling borewells and providing irrigation assistance free of cost.

In this detailed article, we explain how to apply for the Karnataka Free Borewell Scheme in 2025, eligibility criteria, documents required, subsidy information, and where to apply. This guide is fully SEO optimized and uses high CPC keywords naturally throughout the content.

1. Introduction to the Karnataka Free Borewell Scheme

The Free Borewell Scheme in Karnataka, also known as Ganga Kalyana Yojana, is implemented by the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC) and the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation. It aims to assist SC/ST, OBC, and minority community farmers by providing free borewell drilling services, water pump installation, and irrigation pipelines.

This is a government-funded agriculture scheme focused on increasing groundwater access, thereby boosting farm productivity.

Free Borewell Scheme in Karnataka

2. Objective of the Scheme

The primary objectives of the Free Borewell Scheme are:

• To provide irrigation support to small and marginal farmers

• To enhance the agricultural productivity in dryland areas

• To utilize government land resources for the benefit of underprivileged farmers

• To ensure inclusive rural development

• To reduce dependency on monsoon rainfall for crop cultivation

3. Benefits of the Scheme

The Karnataka Free Borewell Scheme offers the following key benefits:

• Free borewell drilling and casing services

• Provision of electric motor pump set

• Laying of pipeline from borewell to farm

• 100% subsidy for SC/ST applicants

• 75% subsidy for OBC and minority category farmers

• Helps improve income through year-round irrigation

• Reduces farmer distress due to water scarcity

4. Who is Eligible for Free Borewell Scheme in Karnataka?

Eligibility criteria are set to ensure the benefit reaches the needy and deserving agricultural communities:

General Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a resident of Karnataka

• Must belong to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBC, or Minority communities

• Applicant must be a small or marginal farmer

• Must possess a minimum of 1 acre of agricultural land (some categories require up to 2 acres)

• The land must be free from borewell facility already

• Applicant must not have received similar benefits earlier

Community-wise Criteria:

• SC/ST applicants: 100% subsidy and priority

• OBC and minority: Partial subsidy depending on economic status

5. Required Documents

Applicants need to submit the following documents while applying:

1. Aadhaar Card

2. Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/Minority)

3. Income Certificate

4. Land Ownership Records (RTC/Pahani)

5. Residence Proof (Voter ID, Ration Card, etc.)

6. Bank Passbook (for direct benefit transfer)

7. Mobile Number

8. Recent Passport Size Photo

9. Borewell feasibility report (if applicable)

6. Online Application Process

You can apply online for the Karnataka Free Borewell Scheme through the official government portals. Here’s the step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

For SC/ST Applicants:
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation Portal

For Minority Applicants:
Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC)

Step 2: Register or Login

• Create an account using Aadhaar and mobile number

• Login with OTP or password

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

• Select “Ganga Kalyana Yojana” or “Free Borewell Scheme”

• Enter personal, income, and land details

• Upload scanned documents

Step 4: Submit and Download Acknowledgment

• Submit the form and save your reference number

• Track application status from the dashboard

7. Offline Application Process

Applicants without internet access can also apply offline:

Visit the Nearest Office:

• Taluk Social Welfare Office

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation office

• KMDC district office

• Grama Panchayat or Taluk Panchayat Office

Collect and Fill Application Form:

• Obtain the printed form

• Fill all necessary details

• Attach copies of required documents

Submit and Track:

• Submit the completed form to the office staff

• Request acknowledgment receipt or application number

• Follow up regularly on status

8. Subsidy Amount and Cost Coverage

This scheme includes both borewell cost and supporting infrastructure. Here’s what the government provides:

For SC/ST applicants: 100% government grant
For OBC/Minority: Partial support and soft loan options

9. Implementation and Monitoring

The scheme is implemented through the District Social Welfare Office and monitored by the Taluk Borewell Implementation Committee. Once the application is approved:

• Geologists conduct groundwater surveys

• Borewell is drilled by empaneled contractors

• Electricity connection and pump set are installed

• Field officers verify usage and issue completion certificate

10. Ganga Kalyana Yojana vs Other Water Schemes

11. Latest Updates in 2025

In 2025, several enhancements have been made to improve the reach and transparency of the Karnataka Free Borewell Scheme:

• Online status tracking enabled via SMS alerts

• GPS verification for installed borewells

• E-KYC integration for faster approvals

• Increased budget allocation for dryland districts like Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Koppal

• Special focus on women farmers and self-help groups

  

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can tenant farmers apply for the scheme?

No, only land-owning farmers are eligible.

Q2. Is there a limit to the number of borewells per family?

Yes, only one borewell is sanctioned per eligible family.

Q3. What happens if groundwater is not found at the drilled location?

In such cases, a new location is considered if approved by geological survey.

Q4. How long does the application approval take?

Usually within 30-60 days depending on document verification and survey results.

Q5. Can I apply through mobile?

Yes, the portals are mobile-friendly and accessible 24/7.

Apply Now

The Free Borewell Scheme in Karnataka is a significant initiative that empowers underprivileged farmers with better irrigation access, enhancing their agricultural productivity and income. Through the Ganga Kalyana Yojana, the government ensures that water scarcity does not become a barrier to rural development.

If you are a farmer in Karnataka belonging to SC, ST, OBC, or Minority community, and facing irrigation challenges, you must consider applying for this 100% subsidized borewell scheme. Use the official government websites listed above to apply and secure your agricultural future