Karnataka Government Will Not Discontinue Gruha Lakshmi and Gruha Jyothi Schemes, Says CM DK Shivakumar
Chief Minister clarifies that the reapplication process is only meant to verify beneficiaries and prevent misuse of welfare schemes.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has firmly dismissed speculation that the state’s flagship welfare schemes, Gruha Lakshmi and Gruha Jyothi, are being phased out.
Addressing concerns raised after the government announced a fresh application process for beneficiaries, Shivakumar said the schemes remain a key part of the Congress government’s welfare agenda and will continue without any interruption.
He urged people not to be misled by rumours and misinformation circulating about the future of the programmes.
The clarification follows the government’s decision to conduct a verification exercise for beneficiaries of Gruha Lakshmi, which provides a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,000 to women heads of households, and Gruha Jyothi, which offers free electricity of up to 200 units.
Speaking after a review meeting with senior district and state officials, Shivakumar explained that the reapplication process is intended solely to identify and remove fraudulent beneficiaries.
According to the government, more than Rs 100 crore was allegedly withdrawn under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme using the names of deceased beneficiaries. The Chief Minister said some individuals had created fake records to claim benefits illegally.
He also pointed to irregularities in the Gruha Jyothi scheme, stating that some beneficiaries had registered multiple electricity connections under a single name, while others were reportedly using the subsidy for commercial establishments.
Officials will verify details such as beneficiaries’ names, addresses and bank account information to ensure that only eligible residents continue receiving benefits.
Shivakumar stressed that the verification drive should not be interpreted as a move to end any of the guarantee schemes. He assured citizens that all welfare guarantees introduced by the government would continue in full.
Responding to criticism from opposition parties, he noted that several states are now adopting welfare initiatives similar to Karnataka’s guarantee programmes despite having previously criticised them.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also announced that all students in the state would receive free bus passes under a recently issued government order.
He further directed district authorities to intensify awareness campaigns regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Officials have been asked to help voters complete the required documentation and ensure eligible citizens remain on the voter list.