Bengaluru: Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka on Thursday criticised the Karnataka government over delays in welfare payments and pensions, questioning the Congress government’s decision to hold a “Sadhana Samavesha” despite what he described as an empty treasury.
Addressing a press conference, Ashoka alleged that financial assistance meant for vulnerable sections, including senior citizens, widows, transgender persons, orphaned children and other beneficiaries, had been stalled for months.
He claimed that beneficiaries were yet to receive around ₹5,000 crore under the Gruhalakshmi scheme and ₹700 crore under the Annabhagya scheme. He also alleged that grants worth ₹73 crore for orphaned children had not been released.
Ashoka further accused the government of failing to disburse pensions under 12 schemes run by the Revenue Department for the past three months. According to him, nearly 81.88 lakh beneficiaries are dependent on these schemes and about ₹894 crore is required every month for payments.
The BJP leader also alleged that compensation for farmers was delayed and accused the government of neglecting promises made to ASHA workers, Devadasis, acid attack survivors and freedom fighters.
Targeting Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s e-khata campaign, Ashoka alleged corruption in the conversion of B-khata properties to A-khata, claiming bribes were being collected through digital payment platforms. He said no action had been taken despite complaints being raised earlier.
Ashoka also criticised the proposed hike in garbage management costs under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), alleging that a 14% increase in tender costs would impose an additional burden of around ₹600 crore on citizens through higher taxes and cess.
