What Led to the Cheating of Women Beneficiaries in K'taka Gruha Laxmi Scheme?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In Karnataka, the Congress-led government admitted to a lapse in the Gruha Laxmi scheme, raising questions about the integrity of the administration. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka claims that nearly Rs 5,000 crore was at risk of misappropriation. What does this mean for the poor and women beneficiaries?
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka government admitted to a lapse in the Gruha Laxmi scheme disbursements.
- Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka claims potential misappropriation of Rs 5,000 crore.
- The issue raises serious questions about government integrity and accountability.
- Calls for immediate action to ensure funds reach beneficiaries.
- Concerns about the impact on poor and women relying on these funds.
Belagavi, Dec 17 (NationPress) In a significant revelation, the Congress-led government of Karnataka acknowledged a failure in the disbursement of Gruha Laxmi benefits during the Legislative Assembly session. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka asserted that nearly Rs 5,000 crore would have been misappropriated if the BJP had not highlighted the issue in the House.
Speaking to the media in Belagavi after exiting the Assembly in protest, Ashoka further interrogated the Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar, about the apparent deceit faced by women beneficiaries.
He expressed concern that the seven crore residents of the state are hopeful for policies that would aid the impoverished and farmers. “The poor are depending on the Gruha Laxmi funds and their rations. Yet, the government has dashed their expectations,” he lamented.
Labeling the current government as one lacking integrity and honor, Ashoka called for the immediate transfer of Gruha Laxmi funds to the beneficiaries. “It was only due to the efforts of Mahesh Tenginakayi and myself that the issue was brought to light. Otherwise, it would have remained unnoticed,” he claimed.
He accused the administration of attempting to misappropriate Rs 5,000 crore.
“Had we not exposed this, it would have gone under the radar,” he noted, indicating that payments were not made to 10 districts. He alleged that officials in district offices were intimidated and instructed not to disclose information when requested.
“Is this a government of plunder?” Ashoka questioned.
He asserted that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar intimidates flat owners, while the female Minister allegedly coerces officials to suppress information.
“Is this the definition of governance?” he queried.
Ashoka further challenged the Women and Child Welfare Minister about the betrayal of women.
He questioned the necessity of conducting Assembly sessions amidst internal disputes regarding the Chief Minister’s position.
He insisted that the entire government should unite to effectively manage the legislature. “Ministers are divided into factions within the House. Is this truly a legislative assembly?” he asked.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi, who raised the concern, stated that the Opposition spoke out on behalf of 1.26 crore mothers in Karnataka regarding the Gruha Laxmi scheme.
He remarked that there was a discrepancy in the number of beneficiaries, as the Minister previously stated there were 1.24 crore beneficiaries, which has now risen to 1.26 crore.
He noted that district officials had initially reported that payments for February and March had not been disbursed. However, after the matter was raised in the Assembly, officials seemingly attempted to align their responses with that of the Minister.
MLA Tenginakayi mentioned he had been reaching out via email to the Director of the Women and Child Welfare Department for three consecutive days, inquiring about the release of Gruha Laxmi payments for February and March.
“Despite numerous emails, I received no information over three days,” he criticized.
He questioned the reason behind this silence and the reluctance of officials to provide information. He also claimed to have sent an email to the Deputy Director in Belagavi on December 9, but had yet to receive any response.
“Even my phone calls are going unanswered,” he alleged.
It is noteworthy that after a dramatic session in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, the Congress-led government conceded to a discrepancy in the distribution of Gruha Laxmi benefits. The Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar, apologized for the oversight following intense protests from BJP MLAs.
Point of View
This issue highlights significant governance challenges within state politics. The allegations of financial mismanagement and the apparent lack of accountability raise concerns about the state's commitment to its welfare programs. The situation underscores the need for transparency and integrity to restore public trust.
NationPress
17/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gruha Laxmi scheme?
The Gruha Laxmi scheme is a welfare initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to women in Karnataka to support their livelihoods and family needs.
Why is there controversy surrounding the scheme?
Controversy arose after the Karnataka government admitted to a lapse in the disbursement of funds, leading to accusations of misappropriation and deception towards beneficiaries.
Who is R. Ashoka?
R. Ashoka is the Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka, representing the BJP. He has been vocal about the alleged mismanagement of the Gruha Laxmi scheme.
What did Ashoka claim about the funds?
Ashoka claimed that nearly Rs 5,000 crore could have been misappropriated if the BJP had not raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly.
What actions have been taken by the government in response?
The government has acknowledged the oversight and the Minister for Women and Child Welfare has apologized for the disbursement errors following protests from the opposition.
