Gruha Lakshmi re-verification: Shivakumar says eligible voters will be considered
Synopsis
Karnataka CM Shivakumar has clarified that the Gruha Lakshmi re-verification will cover only state voters — a pointed signal amid fears that caste-certificate demands could exclude legitimate beneficiaries. With ₹30,000 crore in contractor dues, a Finance Department warning, and a fresh broadside against the Election Commission, the press conference covered far more political ground than a routine welfare update.
Key Takeaways
Shivakumar confirmed on 30 September that only registered state voters who are eligible will be considered in the Gruha Lakshmi re-verification process.
The Gruha Lakshmi scheme , launched in 2023 , provides ₹2,000 per month to women identified as heads of households.
Re-verification application forms have not yet been distributed , according to Shivakumar.
Shivakumar blamed BJP and former CM B.S.
Yediyurappa for the Finance Department's financial management letter, citing works initiated beyond budgetary limits.
The Contractors' Association has claimed over ₹30,000 crore in pending payments; Shivakumar said he would address the matter soon.
Shivakumar alleged the Election Commission of India was 'not functioning democratically' over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday, 30 September clarified that only eligible beneficiaries who are registered voters in the state would be considered during the re-verification process for the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, amid growing concerns over reports that beneficiaries were being asked to submit caste certificates. The statement came during Shivakumar's visit to Chamarajanagar.
What Shivakumar Said on Re-Verification
'We have prepared a new application because people from other states are availing themselves of the scheme. Those who are our voters and are eligible will be considered,' Shivakumar said. He also confirmed that the re-verification application forms had not yet been distributed to beneficiaries, indicating the process remains in its preparatory stage.
The Gruha Lakshmi scheme, launched in 2023, provides women identified as the head of a household with a monthly financial assistance of ₹2,000. It is one of five guarantee schemes introduced by the Karnataka government aimed at extending direct financial support to women from eligible households.
Finance Department Letter and BJP Blame
On a Finance Department letter to the state government regarding financial management, Shivakumar attributed the situation to what he called 'missteps' by previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments. He specifically named former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, alleging that works had been initiated beyond budgetary allocations under his tenure.
'B.S. Yediyurappa had started works beyond the budget. It is because of such missteps by BJP governments that the Finance Department has written a letter to us,' he said. The BJP is yet to formally respond to these claims.
Pending Contractor Payments and Commission Allegations
Responding to the Contractors' Association's claim that payments exceeding ₹30,000 crore were pending, Shivakumar acknowledged that bills tied to works awarded during the Yediyurappa government needed to be cleared. 'I will think about it. Contractors should survive. Therefore, I will consider the matter soon,' he said.
On the association's separate allegation that contractors were still being asked to pay percentage commissions — a reference to the longstanding corruption concern in Karnataka's public works sector — Shivakumar said the association should submit an affidavit and the matter would be investigated.
Election Commission Remarks and SIR Opposition
Shivakumar also weighed in on the Congress Working Committee's reported resolution seeking cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the Election Commission of India was not functioning democratically. 'Let our opposition to it be one thing. Even two other commissioners appointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government had raised objections to some decisions. The Commission is not functioning democratically,' he alleged.
He further claimed there was 'an attempt to take away the voting rights of people, people experiencing poverty, and minorities,' adding, 'Our fight against this will continue.' These are allegations made by Shivakumar and have not been independently verified.
Other Announcements and Local Outreach
On a proposed ₹490 crore irrigation project in the region, Shivakumar said the proposal would need to clear multiple procedural stages — Cabinet discussion, committee review, board approvals, and tendering — before work could commence. On former minister B.R. Patil's letter to Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, seeking repeal of BJP-era Land Reforms Act amendments, Shivakumar said the matter would be examined.
Shivakumar also spoke warmly of Chamarajanagar, noting that his own Assembly constituency shares a border with the district, and recalled that the Siddaramaiah-led government had previously held a special Cabinet meeting at Male Mahadeshwara Hills with several development announcements for the area. He said he had come to the region to launch development works. The re-verification timeline for the Gruha Lakshmi scheme is expected to become clearer once application forms are formally distributed.
Point of View
A distinction that will resonate with the Congress base ahead of local elections. Yet the caste-certificate controversy remains unaddressed: the Chief Minister confirmed new application forms are being prepared but did not explain why caste documentation was reportedly sought in the first place. The ₹30,000 crore contractor dues figure, if accurate, signals a fiscal pressure point that the Finance Department letter only partially reveals. Shivakumar's decision to blame Yediyurappa for the state's financial bind is a familiar deflection — but with the BJP out of power for over a year, the accountability clock is gradually shifting toward the incumbent.
NationPress
30 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gruha Lakshmi scheme and who is eligible?
The Gruha Lakshmi scheme, launched in 2023 by the Karnataka government, provides ₹2,000 per month to women identified as the head of a household. It is one of five guarantee schemes aimed at extending direct financial support to women from eligible households in the state.
Why is the Gruha Lakshmi scheme undergoing re-verification?
The re-verification is being conducted because, according to CM Shivakumar, people from other states have reportedly been availing themselves of the scheme. A new application process is being prepared to ensure only eligible Karnataka voters are covered.
Have the re-verification application forms been distributed yet?
No. CM Shivakumar confirmed on 30 September that the re-verification application forms had not yet been distributed to beneficiaries, meaning the process is still in its preparatory stage.
Why were contractors raising concerns, and what did Shivakumar say?
The Contractors' Association claimed that payments exceeding ₹30,000 crore were pending from the state government. Shivakumar acknowledged the dues, said bills from works awarded during the previous BJP government needed to be cleared, and added that he would consider the matter soon.
What did Shivakumar allege about the Election Commission?
Shivakumar alleged that the Election Commission of India was 'not functioning democratically,' citing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He claimed even commissioners appointed by the Modi government had raised objections to some decisions, and alleged an attempt to disenfranchise the poor and minorities — allegations that have not been independently verified.
