Artists perform at the launch of the Karnataka Government’s Gruha Laxmi Plan in Mysuru
Mysuru:
The Karnataka Congress celebrated its 100 days of governance with the launch of the most expensive plan – Gruha Lakshmi – which promises Rs 2,000 a month to female heads of household.
The event was scheduled at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s home base, Mysuru, which was presided over by the top leaders – Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
“Women from different corners of Karnataka are here. I welcome them to this event,” said Mr. Gandhi.
About ten women walked out with Rs 2,000 in their account and big smiles on their faces. While 50 percent of the beneficiaries’ estimated 1.08 crore accounts will be credited today, the remainder have been promised the money tomorrow.
“I am very happy. It will help me pay the school fees for my children,” said one woman.
“I feel independent. I don’t depend on my kids for medicine,” said another.
The only part of the scheme is that it can only be used by families who do not file a Goods and Services Tax (GST) and income tax return.
How watertight is the verification?
“Ration cards and Aadhaar cards are checked together to know their tax and GST details,” said Laxmi Hebbalkar, Minister of Women and Child Welfare, Karnataka.
Although ration cards and Kutumba software were used to prevent duplication and misuse of data by keeping it strictly confidential, problems still persisted.
“We made sure no two female heads came from the same household. But we faced challenges in taking care of the ration cards of those who have died,” says Archana MS, director of the Women’s and Child Welfare Department.
Prema, a beneficiary, said the ration card is in the name of her late grandmother. ‘We have to change that. They said they would help remove her name and issue a new name by the first of next month,” Prema said.
While most women said they would be helpless if they didn’t receive the money, others who benefited claimed they would return the favor with votes.
Is this a deliberate effort by Congress to profile itself and gain the women’s vote? Will this benefit the party in 2024?
