Ashoka Demands Hebbalkar Apology
Bengaluru
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on Wednesday strongly criticised Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, alleging that she had provided false information to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly regarding the implementation of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. He demanded that the minister tender an unconditional apology to nearly 1.20 crore women beneficiaries of the scheme.
Speaking during the Assembly proceedings, Ashok said Minister Hebbalkar had misled the House on matters related to the disbursement of financial assistance under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, a flagship welfare programme of the state government. He pointed out that even Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had acknowledged discrepancies in the information placed before the House.
The Gruha Lakshmi scheme concerns around 1.20 crore women across the state. How is it possible to release assistance for May, June and July without disbursing the amounts for January and February? Ashok questioned. He said skipping payments for certain months raises serious concerns and sends a wrong message to beneficiaries.
Ashok alleged that either the government had cheated the people or the state treasury was empty. He demanded that the government clearly explain to the House why the assistance for January and February had been withheld. He further questioned whether the funds had been diverted for Congress party use or misused by ministers themselves.
Emphasising the importance of the scheme, Ashok said crores of women depend on the monthly assistance for household expenses, purchasing essentials and repaying loans. He stated that the government is required to release around ₹2,480 crore every month under the scheme, which translates to nearly ₹5,000 crore for two months. Where has this huge amount gone? he asked, adding that the government must clarify under which law or rule it is allowed to skip two months of payment and move ahead.
