Latest news with #GruhaLakshmi
Deccan Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Deccan Herald
5k trained Sakhis for last-mile banking services in Karnataka
With 5,000 trained women available to provide last-mile banking services, the government sees an opportunity to target beneficiaries of the flagship Gruha Lakshmi (Rs 2,000 per month) and Shakti (free bus travel) schemes.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Karnataka Home Minister Acknowledges State's Financial Constraints, Seeks Central Assistance
During a public gathering in Bagalkot district, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara made a candid admission about the state's financial situation. He revealed that the government currently lacks adequate resources to fund major development initiatives and encouraged local representatives to approach the central government for project financing. The Home Minister's frank statement highlighted how the state's extensive welfare programs have significantly impacted the budget. "We don't have money, even Siddaramaiah doesn't have funds now. We've already given everything to the people in the form of rice, dal, and oil, yes even oil," Parameshwara stated, referring to the Congress administration's signature guarantee schemes. The financial strain appears to stem from the ruling party's commitment to fulfilling its electoral promises, particularly the welfare schemes that were central to their campaign. These programs, while popular among beneficiaries, have reportedly consumed substantial portions of the state budget, leaving limited resources for infrastructure and development projects. In his address to local leaders, Parameshwara suggested they should think ambitiously about development proposals. He specifically recommended preparing a comprehensive Rs 1,000 crore development plan for the Badami region, focusing on heritage conservation and regional development. "You should take up a big project, something worth Rs 1,000 crore. Don't be afraid of the amount," he advised, emphasizing that such substantial proposals should be submitted to the central government for consideration. The minister's comments align with earlier reports indicating delays in welfare scheme payments. According to available information, beneficiaries of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme have not received their promised monthly Rs 2,000 allowance since late 2024. Similarly, the Anna Bhagya scheme's additional cash benefits have been suspended for several months. Official data from the Karnataka Development Programme reveals significant implementation gaps in these welfare initiatives, with budget shortfalls running into thousands of crores. This financial pressure has reportedly led the state government to explore alternative funding mechanisms, including the possibility of leveraging state assets to raise capital for essential projects. The situation reflects broader challenges faced by state governments in balancing populist welfare measures with necessary infrastructure development. As Karnataka navigates these financial constraints, the emphasis on securing central government support for major projects appears to be a key strategy for addressing developmental needs while managing existing fiscal commitments.
India Today
5 days ago
- Business
- India Today
We have no money: Karnataka Home Minister urges local leaders to petition Centre
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara openly acknowledged that the state government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, doesn't have sufficient funds to support large-scale development projects.'We don't have money, even Siddaramaiah doesn't have funds now. We've already given everything to the people in the form of rice, dal, and oil, yes even oil,' the Home Minister said at a public event in Bagalkot to Parameshwara, the Congress-led government already spent heavily on welfare schemes, referring to the Congress government's 'guarantees', thus leaving little room in the budget for new capital-intensive projects. He also urged local leaders to propose a Rs 1,000 crore plan and send it to the Central government, to fund Badami's development and heritage protection.'You should take up a big project, something worth Rs 1,000 crore. Don't be afraid of the amount. Plan a project that can develop the entire Badami region. You should send the proposal to the Central Government,' he said. 'If you send a Rs 1,000 crore proposal to the Centre, the work of protecting this place will begin. It will also help in beautifying the town.'In February, India Today accessed information that beneficiaries of Gruha Lakshmi scheme – one of the five Congress's guarantees – haven't received their promised monthly Rs 2,000 since November-December 2024. Even Anna Bhagya's additional cash-for-rice funds have been withheld for five Karnataka Development Programme report by the state's Department of Planning, Programme Coordination and Statistics showed considerable shortfalls in implementation of both schemes, with the total deficit running into thousands of in December, it was reported that the Karnataka government was considering mortgaging state assets to finance road construction and development projects. Bengaluru's civic body, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) reportedly intended to pledge its assets to generate Rs 19,000 crore for the Bengaluru Twin Tunnel Project, and submitted Expression of Interest to banks and financial institutions for the same.- Ends
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Banks must protect govt incentive funds from loan deductions: Melukote MLA
Mandya: Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah urged that bank managers write to their central offices requesting the installation of software that prevents govt incentive funds from being deducted for loan repayments. Once a loan is taken from a bank, the EMI amount is automatically deducted from the account on the scheduled date each month, he said. Speaking at a meeting with various bank managers at the DC's office here, he said when the govt provides incentive funds to farmers or citizens, and they are automatically adjusted towards loan EMIs, people have to visit the bank and request a reversal to their subsidy accounts. However, only about 3% of the population have the capacity to approach banks and raise such issues, which is why a software solution is essential. He emphasized that banks function because of customers. Many poor farmers in rural areas are bank customers, and bank staff must treat them with respect. Deputy commissioner Kumara said various govt-provided benefits—like social pensions, milk incentives, Anna Bhagya, Gruha Lakshmi funds, MGNREGA wages, and crop loss compensation—should not be deducted for loan repayments, out of humanitarian concern. He urged the bank staff to communicate in Kannada, especially since Mandya is a district of farmers. Though many bank officials and managers know Kannada, they often speak in English or Hindi. This attitude must change, he said. He also pointed out the scheme that offers a 3% interest rebate to farmers who repay their crop loans within the stipulated time, and asked the banks to make farmers aware of this benefit.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Expo on state govt's achievements at bus terminus
Ballari: An exhibition highlighting the state govt's achievements over the past two years has been set up at the Central Bus Terminus on Tank Bund Road. Mayor Mullangi Nandish on Friday inaugurated the exhibition being organised in collaboration with the district administration, zilla panchayat, information and public relations department, and KKRTC (Ballari division). "The Congress govt in Karnataka has reached the two-year mark and successfully implemented the five guarantee schemes promised to the people of the state, enhancing their living standards. The expo will showcase the same," said the Mayor. K E Chidanandappa, chairman of the district guarantee schemes implementation authority, said the govt, led by chief minister Siddaramaiah, honoured its commitments. The exhibition features information on several initiatives, including the state govt's ambitious programmes like Shakti Yojana, Annabhagya, Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyothi, and Yuva Nidhi, with an additional display illustrating the district's development. ADC Mohammed Zaber N said information on how to access the benefits of these govt-implemented schemes is also being shared.
