The Karnataka government has removed nearly six lakh ineligible beneficiaries from the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, a direct benefit transfer (DBT) initiative for women. This action follows a pilot study that revealed approximately 1.20 lakh deceased individuals were still receiving payments under the scheme.
Pilot Study Findings
The pilot study, conducted by the state government, aimed to identify and eliminate ineligible beneficiaries from the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. It uncovered that over 1.20 lakh deceased persons were still listed as active recipients, leading to a significant leakage of funds. The study prompted the government to take immediate corrective measures.
Government Action
In response, the Karnataka government removed nearly six lakh ineligible beneficiaries from the scheme's database. This includes not only deceased individuals but also those who were found to be ineligible due to other criteria, such as income or duplicate entries. The move is expected to save the state exchequer a substantial amount of money, which can be redirected to genuine beneficiaries.
Prathima Nandakumar reported that the government is now focusing on strengthening the verification process to prevent future inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries. The Gruha Lakshmi scheme, launched by the state government, provides financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections. The removal of ineligible beneficiaries ensures that the benefits reach the intended recipients.
Impact and Future Steps
The removal of ineligible beneficiaries is a significant step towards improving the efficiency of the DBT system in Karnataka. The government plans to conduct regular audits and use technology to cross-check beneficiary data with death records and other databases. This will help in maintaining the integrity of the scheme and ensuring that only eligible women receive the benefits.
The Karnataka government has urged citizens to report any discrepancies or ineligible beneficiaries through a dedicated helpline. The state aims to make the Gruha Lakshmi scheme a model for other DBT initiatives in the country.
