Adhara Scheme: A Catalyst for Entrepreneurship among Persons with Disabilities in Dharwad District

The present study on differently abled entrepreneurs analyses the Adhara Scheme for persons with dis-abilities facilitated by the Government of Karnataka through District Disabled Welfare offices for eco-nomically independence and assistance for entrepreneurship development among disabled persons in the state. The purpose of the study is to know the financial contribution by District Disabled Welfare office Dharwad, changes in income status of the entrepreneurs, to find out challenges faced by differently abled entrepreneurs and to analyze the satisfaction level of Differently Abled Entrepreneurs on Adhara Scheme. The Likert Scale is used for collection of data regarding the satisfaction of the respondents on Adhara Scheme and the same data is analyzed with the help of Mann-Whitney U Test. The study provides valuable insights into the impact of the Adhara Scheme on differently abled entrepreneurs, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement. Key findings indicate that while the scheme has successfully enhanced financial stability for many persons with disabilities, significant challenges persist. The majority of disabled entrepreneurs reported profitability and increased income levels, showcasing the scheme’s ability to foster economic growth. Additionally, the reliance on institutional and government-backed financial sources, such as the District Disabled Welfare Office and commercial banks, underscores the scheme’s success in reducing dependence on informal credit channels.