Karnataka guarantees for genuine beneficiaries, will not be discontinued: D K Shivakumar
Bengaluru, June 15
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said that the state government's guarantee schemes are aimed at genuine beneficiaries and will continue without any disruption, while asserting that strict verification measures are being introduced to prevent misuse and fraud.
Speaking on the implementation of the guarantee programmes, Shivakumar said the Opposition's role was to criticise the government and that it would object even to positive initiatives. He added that the government was fully aware that the Opposition had "nothing positive to offer," and stressed that the administration was focused on delivering welfare schemes effectively.
He said the state government was implementing several initiatives which, according to him, previous governments were unable to execute. At the same time, he noted that cases of misuse had come to light, including instances where incorrect photographs were uploaded, fake mobile numbers were used, or benefits were being diverted to unrelated bank accounts. He emphasised that the benefit of the schemes must directly reach the rightful beneficiaries.
Shivakumar clarified that the guarantees are meant exclusively for the people of Karnataka and not for beneficiaries from other states. Referring to schemes such as free bus travel, he said eligibility must remain restricted to residents and voters of Karnataka. He added that the objective was to ensure that public funds are utilised strictly for the intended recipients.
He further informed that an authentication system, including a card-based mechanism for availing benefits under bus travel and other schemes, is being introduced to streamline the process. He said the decision had already been taken earlier, and implementation was underway.
The Chief Minister also rejected allegations that guarantee schemes would be discontinued, stating that they remain a core programme of the government. He said similar welfare models have influenced other states and that the schemes were designed to empower women, support families and strengthen households. He added that the government has issued directions to curb fraudulent lending practices linked to the schemes.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally someone is talking about stopping fraud! My aunt in rural Karnataka was telling me how some people in her village were using fake names to get double benefits. The card system will help a lot. Hope they implement it quickly and transparently. 👏
Let's see how this plays out. While verification is needed, I hope the government doesn't make it so complicated that genuine poor people can't access benefits. Many villagers don't have proper documents or smartphones. The system should be simple and accessible. 🤔
As someone who moved to Bengaluru for work from another state, I understand why they want to restrict benefits to Karnataka residents. But the verification process should be fair and not create harassment for genuine migrants who contribute to the state's economy too. Balance is key.
Good to hear that guarantees won't be discontinued! These free bus travel and other schemes are really helping the poor. But Shivakumar should also focus on creating jobs and improving infrastructure rather than just handing out freebies. Long-term development matters too! 😊
I appreciate the transparency about misuse cases - uploading fake photos and using wrong mobile numbers is shameful. But the government must ensure that these verification measures don't become a tool for harassment by local officials. Proper training and oversight are needed. 🌟
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