Mangaluru: The Department of Women and Child Development has cautioned beneficiaries of the Karnataka government‘s Gruha Lakshmi scheme against unauthorised surveys being conducted in some areas, with individuals allegedly seeking one-time passwords (OTPs) and bank account details in the name of the scheme.
The department clarified that although the re-verification of applications submitted by beneficiaries is being planned in accordance with government orders and prescribed procedures, no re-verification exercise has been initiated so far.
The Deputy Director of the Department of Women and Child Development has urged beneficiaries to remain alert and avoid sharing sensitive personal and banking information with unknown individuals claiming to represent the scheme.
No official re-verification exercise initiated
According to the department, the re-verification of Gruha Lakshmi applications will be carried out as per government orders and established procedures.
As part of the prescribed authentication process, beneficiaries will be required to enter the mobile phone number linked to their Aadhaar card in the application. This number will be used to establish the beneficiary’s identity and complete authentication through an OTP.
However, the department has specifically clarified that the official re-verification process has not yet begun.
The clarification comes amid reports of individuals approaching beneficiaries in certain areas and claiming to conduct surveys or verification exercises related to the Gruha Lakshmi scheme.
Beneficiaries warned against sharing OTPs and bank details
The department has expressed concern over unauthorised individuals allegedly collecting sensitive information under the pretext of conducting scheme-related surveys.
Beneficiaries have been advised not to share OTPs, bank account details or any other personal information with such individuals.
The department has also cautioned people against responding to requests for confidential information from anyone claiming to be involved in the re-verification process before an official exercise is announced.
Since OTPs are used to authenticate identity and authorise certain digital transactions, sharing them with unknown persons can expose beneficiaries to financial fraud.
Follow only official government instructions
The department’s clarification is intended to prevent beneficiaries from falling victim to fraudulent activities carried out in the name of the welfare scheme.
Beneficiaries have been urged to wait for an official announcement before participating in any re-verification exercise. They should not entertain unsolicited visits or requests for sensitive information from individuals claiming to conduct Gruha Lakshmi surveys.
The department has reiterated the need for caution until the government formally initiates the re-verification process.