The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Karnataka): Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, emphasized the positive impact of guarantee schemes in mitigating the challenges posed by inflation in the state. Addressing an event, Shivakumar highlighted the significant relief provided to over 6.6 crore people monthly through these schemes.
He criticized the escalation of fuel and essential commodity prices during the BJP’s tenure, citing instances of petrol prices soaring from Rs 70 to Rs 100 per liter and LPG prices rising from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100. To alleviate this strain, the Gruhalakshmi scheme was introduced, benefiting 1.33 crore women.
Additionally, schemes like Gruhajyothi, Anna Bhagya, Shakthi, and Yuvanidhi aim to support households, provide essential commodities, offer free bus travel for women, and assist unemployed youth, respectively.
Shivakumar highlighted the substantial monthly benefits of Rs 5,000 to 6,000 received by every impoverished family, totaling Rs 56,000 crore earmarked for guarantee schemes. Responding to criticism regarding Congress fielding ministerial offspring in the Lok Sabha polls, Shivakumar defended the decision, citing considerations of electoral viability.
He noted that the trend of political families contesting elections transcends party lines, reflecting changing political dynamics nationwide.