Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyoti Schemes Won't Be Withdrawn: DK Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday clarified that the state government was not withdrawing the Gruha Lakshmi and Gruha Jyoti guarantee schemes and said the ongoing exercise was aimed only at ensuring that the benefits reached genuine beneficiaries.

As the Congress government decided to invite fresh applications for the two pre-poll guarantees, the BJP and the JD(S) alleged that the government was imposing conditions on beneficiaries and thereby trying to curtail the reach of the schemes.

The Gruha Lakshmi scheme provides Rs 2,000 to women heads of families living below the poverty line, while Gruha Jyoti offers free electricity of up to 200 units for household connections.

Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar accused the opposition of spreading misinformation about the guarantees and said the government was streamlining beneficiary data to prevent misuse and diversion of funds.

"Under no circumstances are we stopping the guarantee schemes. That is not our programme," Shivakumar said.

He said the government was seeking updated photographs, identification details and other records after finding instances where Gruha Lakshmi benefits were being transferred to incorrect accounts due to inaccurate information provided by beneficiaries.

"In the rush, some people have provided someone else's phone number. As a result, money is being transferred into someone else's account. The money should go directly to the rightful beneficiary's account. Some others are withdrawing the money. We have all the records regarding this," he said.

The CM said the guarantee schemes were meant for Karnataka residents and that the government was taking steps to ensure that the benefits reached eligible people.

"We are providing these guarantee schemes for the people of Karnataka. We are not extending them to people from other states," he said.

He added that the government had already decided to introduce identification cards for beneficiaries of the Shakti free bus travel scheme and was now implementing the process.

Shivakumar underlined that the guarantee schemes had become a model for other states and would continue despite criticism from the opposition.

"These guarantees are a model for the nation, and they will not be stopped under any circumstances," he said.

He also expressed concern over the alleged misuse of welfare benefits through Ponzi and fraudulent investment schemes, saying officials had been instructed to keep a close watch on such activities.

"In some cases, this money is being diverted into Ponzi schemes and is being misused," he said, referring to recent financial fraud cases reported from parts of the state.

Maintaining that the guarantees were introduced to support families amid rising prices and economic hardship, Shivakumar said the government remained committed to empowering women and improving household welfare through the schemes.