Belagavi, Dec 17 (NationPress) In a dramatic turn of events during the Karnataka Legislative Assembly session on Wednesday, the Congress-led administration acknowledged a shortcoming in the distribution of Gruha Laxmi scheme payments. Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar, expressed her apologies for the oversight following intense protests from BJP MLAs.

Despite the apology, the BJP accused the government of failing to deliver a satisfactory response and subsequently walked out of the session.

Wednesday morning's assembly session was marked by fierce protests from Bharatiya Janata Party members who demanded Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar's presence to address alleged discrepancies concerning the payments of the Gruha Laxmi scheme.

The opposition's refusal to allow the Question Hour to proceed stemmed from accusations against the Minister for providing misleading information regarding pending payments over the past two months.

Upon the resumption of the assembly, Minister Hebbalkar clarified that BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi had previously inquired about the Gruha Laxmi scheme. “I reiterated today that the Gruha Laxmi scheme benefits 1.26 crore women heads of families in the state, with Rs 2,000 transferred monthly to their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), without any intermediaries,” she stated.

She noted that since its inception in Karnataka, the scheme has been adopted in various other regions across the country. “To date, a total of 23 installments have been distributed, amounting to Rs 46,000 for each of the 1.26 crore women beneficiaries. While I provided this information, opposition members consistently pointed out the absence of payments for February and March,” the Minister explained.

“I initially stated that payments had been processed up to August. I want to tell the Leader of the Opposition, an experienced figure, that my intentions were sincere. This is my first ministerial role, and I aimed to perform my duties with integrity,” she added.

Hebbalkar acknowledged that her initial claims regarding the February and March payments were incorrect, as subsequent checks revealed that these payments had indeed not been made.

“After being repeatedly questioned, I returned to verify the situation and confirmed that the February and March installments were not disbursed,” she stated.

“I assure esteemed members of the House that there was no intention to mislead or provide incorrect information. As a responsible Minister, I will consult with the Finance Department, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, to understand the reasons behind the two-month delay in payments. This does not imply that funds were diverted for other uses,” she clarified.

BJP members voiced their objections strongly, claiming that the Minister was deflecting blame rather than offering a genuine apology.

The Minister reiterated that there was no intention to mislead the assembly and promised to rectify the situation. “If anyone has been affected by this, I sincerely regret it,” she remarked.

Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, pointed out that the Minister had acknowledged providing incorrect information but failed to specify when the February and March installments would be released or to offer an unconditional apology.

Law Minister H.K. Patil stated that the Minister had shown remorse and urged the House to continue with other matters.

Senior BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar commented that while the lapse might have been unintentional, the government must clarify whether the delay was due to financial instability.

“We recognize that the Gruha Laxmi scheme is a commendable initiative, but why were the installments not disbursed promptly?” he questioned.

Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh countered the BJP's claims, indicating that the party lacked the capacity to assist the public financially.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar noted he was present when the Minister made her remarks and added that the Centre owes the state thousands of crores in pending funds. “I cannot claim that the Centre is bankrupt. BJP and NDA parties are winning elections by imitating guarantee schemes,” he stated.

The BJP members protested vocally, challenging the government to dissolve the assembly and hold elections.

Ashoka demanded that the Minister identify the official responsible for providing inaccurate information and admit to the mistake. Minister Patil replied that the Leader of the Opposition should have carefully listened to the Minister's statements, which included an expression of regret.

Senior MLA S. Suresh Kumar insisted that the apology should be outright. “What does she mean by ‘if anyone is hurt’? The core issue is whether she will apologize to the House and to the 1.26 crore beneficiaries,” he raised.

Patil emphasized that the Minister could not be forced to confess.

Minister Hebbalkar then stated she regretted the oversight. “If the term ‘regret’ does not seem appropriate, I will extend my apology as well,” she concluded.

Ashoka, commenting on the matter, highlighted that the opposition had cooperated in the passage of bills and reiterated the issue was not personal. “This affects 1.26 crore women. After January, the February installment must be processed. Following February, the March installment must be cleared. Without releasing the February and March installments, how can further payments for April, May, and subsequent months be managed?” he inquired.

“Has this ever occurred in Karnataka's history? Why were two months’ installments withheld? Was it done to commit fraud? Is the treasury empty? Was it for party interests or personal reasons? Women beneficiaries have loan commitments and other responsibilities,” Ashoka concluded.