Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has temporarily halted social security pensions to around 18 lakh beneficiaries following a large-scale verification exercise to check whether recipients meet the eligibility criteria.
Physical verification launched
Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwara said the verification was initiated after complaints that people who did not meet the prescribed conditions were receiving social security pensions.
Village accountants carried out physical verification of beneficiaries and collected supporting documents. Cases considered doubtful were forwarded to tahsildars for scrutiny and approval before pensions could be restored to those found eligible.
The exercise is aimed at ensuring that government welfare assistance reaches people who genuinely qualify for it.
Eligible beneficiaries can get pensions restored
Officials are examining the documents and verification reports submitted by field-level staff. Beneficiaries who satisfy the eligibility requirements are expected to have their pensions restored after the verification process is completed.
The move has also brought attention to the importance of keeping beneficiary records updated and ensuring that welfare schemes are protected from ineligible claims.
Government focuses on welfare delivery
Social security pensions provide crucial financial support to vulnerable sections of society, including elderly people, widows and persons facing economic hardship.
While the verification exercise is intended to prevent misuse of public funds, authorities will also need to ensure that genuine beneficiaries do not face prolonged delays in receiving assistance.
The government has stressed the need for proper scrutiny while continuing welfare support for those who meet the prescribed conditions.