No Demand For Rs 2,000 Under 'Gruha Lakshmi' Scheme From Taxpayers: DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar defended the state government's decision to impose certain conditions for the 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme, which provides Rs 2,000 to women heading every household. Shivakumar stated that the scheme was designed for the benefit of the poor and clarified that none of the individuals who file Income Tax returns have requested it.

Addressing reporters outside his residence in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said that accountability is crucial for every rupee spent. He highlighted that the government's objective was to support the underprivileged. "People who are filing Income Tax returns are not asking for it. Several individuals have written letters expressing that they do not require Rs 2,000. Although I cannot disclose their names, as the government, we have made a decision," stated DK Shivakumar.

Meanwhile, Tejasvi Surya, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament from Bengaluru South, accused the Congress party of betraying the people.

When questioned about the criticism from BJP and JDS leaders regarding the conditions imposed for the 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme, Shivakumar dismissed their attacks as mere jealousy. He stated, "BJP and JDS are attempting to create confusion out of jealousy. There is no remedy for jealousy. If BJP leaders are genuinely concerned, they should focus on fulfilling their promise of providing Rs 15 lakh and doubling farmers' income," asserted the Deputy Chief Minister.

On Tuesday night, the Woman and Child Development Department released guidelines for the implementation of the 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme. Several BJP leaders have expressed their disagreement with the government's conditions for the scheme and have threatened to stage protests against the decision.