Bengaluru: The ongoing debate over the implementation of guarantee schemes in Karnataka has reached the national stage, with ministers from the Congress-led state government pressuring the party’s High Command to reconsider the scope and nature of these schemes. Specifically, they have called for the exclusion of wealthy individuals from benefiting, arguing that the schemes should primarily serve the poor.
AICC General Secretaries and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar were among the key figures who traveled to New Delhi to attend a meeting with state unit presidents of the party. During the visit, Shivakumar briefed national leaders on the state’s current situation. Public Works Minister Satish Jarakiholi and Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa also held separate discussions with senior leaders of the High Command, highlighting the concerns regarding the ongoing guarantee schemes.
Congress state in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala met with ministers in New Delhi, where they presented their observations on the pros and cons of the guarantee schemes. According to sources, Surjewala assured the ministers that he would discuss these issues with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has publicly stated that these guarantees will not be stopped under any circumstances, internal discussions suggest that some revisions to the schemes might be on the horizon.
The Karnataka government currently allocates Rs 59,000 crore annually towards the implementation of guarantee schemes. However, several MLAs have expressed concerns that this expenditure is delaying crucial development projects. A minister pointed out that while these guarantees are essential, their implementation should not come at the cost of the state’s overall development. The minister also emphasized that the schemes should target the truly needy, arguing that excluding wealthier beneficiaries could save the state approximately ₹20,000 crore, which could then be redirected towards new projects and development work.
The ministers have warned that the current implementation strategy may not yield the electoral benefits that the party hopes for. Despite expectations of winning at least 15 constituencies in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the Congress secured only 9 seats, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the schemes in garnering voter support. Traditional voters have remained loyal, but ministers argue that the criteria for these schemes need to be tightened to ensure that only the poor benefit.
In support of their argument, the ministers cited the example of the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in Andhra Pradesh, which implemented numerous welfare programs but suffered a significant defeat in the recent assembly elections. They stressed that the Congress must learn from this and adjust its approach accordingly.
One of the schemes under scrutiny is the Grilahakshmi Yojana, which provides ₹2,000 to women. Critics argue that the scheme lacks a scientific benchmark and is not sufficiently targeted. Currently, only families of income tax payers are excluded, which, according to some ministers, is inadequate. They contend that if the scheme were better focused on the poor, it would more effectively fulfill its intended purpose.
The High Command has received several key arguments from the state ministers: – The large allocations for guarantee schemes are limiting funds available for essential development projects. Wealthier individuals are benefiting from the schemes but mocking them, and are unlikely to support Congress in return. Excluding the rich could free up Rs 20,000 crore for other important projects. The failure of welfare-focused governance in Andhra Pradesh should be a cautionary tale.
Given these concerns, there is a growing inclination within the party to conduct a comprehensive review of the guarantee schemes. With 14 months of implementation behind them, many believe that now is the appropriate time for a survey and potential revisions. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is reportedly open to this idea, and discussions within the party suggest that a formal review may soon be underway.
As the party grapples with these internal debates, the focus remains on ensuring that the guarantee schemes fulfill their intended purpose without compromising the state’s broader developmental goals.
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