Guarantee schemes will continue but benefits only for eligible, says Revanna
Karnataka State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority Chairman H.M. Revanna on Tuesday said that the State government’s five guarantee schemes have played a significant role in
Karnataka State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority Chairman H.M. Revanna on Tuesday said that the State government’s five guarantee schemes have played a significant role in improving the economic condition of people and that steps are being taken to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits. Chairing a review meeting on the implementation of the schemes at the Zilla Panchayat Hall in Kalaburagi, Mr. Revanna said that the government has initiated measures to curb misuse and irregularities detected during the implementation of the schemes. He said that around ₹14 crore to ₹15 crore that have been wrongly transferred to ineligible beneficiaries have already been recovered. Efforts are under way to recover nearly ₹100 crore more in coordination with banks, he added. During the review, Mr. Revanna expressed concern over serious discrepancies, including transfer of benefits to the accounts of deceased persons, linking of more than 20 beneficiaries to a single bank account and instances where money has been transferred despite the absence of valid bank accounts.
Under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme alone, 9,156 deceased beneficiaries have been identified in Kalaburagi district. And, a total of ₹4.27 crore has been credited to their accounts. While transactions in 5,336 such accounts have been blocked, only ₹25.84 lakh has been recovered so far. Describing the recovery progress as unsatisfactory, Mr. Revanna directed officials to conduct a door-to-door survey through ASHAs and anganwadi workers and submit a comprehensive report within the next eight to 10 days. He also warned banks against adjusting guarantee scheme benefits towards repayment of existing loans of beneficiaries. Complaints have been received that some banks are appropriating funds credited under the schemes against old dues, which is against the rules, he said and directed banks to immediately stop such practices. Reviewing the Anna Bhagya scheme, Mr. Revanna said that the Food and Civil Supplies Department has cancelled licence of 14 fair-price shops for violations.
As many as 6,874 bogus ration cards have been cancelled and 9,631 quintals of illegally diverted foodgrains seized. He said that ₹508.72 crore has been transferred directly to the accounts of beneficiaries under the Anna Bhagya scheme through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) between July 2023 and December 2024. On the Shakti scheme, Mr. Revanna said that the government has released 80% of the pending dues payable to transport corporations, amounting to ₹608 crore. To meet increasing passenger demand, 124 additional bus schedules have been introduced. The State government is also considering the establishment of police out-posts and Namma Clinics at bus stations to enhance women’s safety and improve public amenities, he said. Responding to speculation about the future of the guarantee schemes, Mr. Revanna clarified that the schemes will not be discontinued. “The guarantee schemes will continue.
The BriefWire