Udupi: Udupi Taluk Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee president Ramesh Kanchan has called upon officials to work more effectively to ensure that the benefits of the State government’s guarantee schemes reach every eligible beneficiary.
He was speaking while presiding over the meeting of the Udupi Taluk Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee held at the Udupi Taluk Panchayat Hall on June 25.
Guarantee schemes have improved living standards
Udupi Taluk Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee president Ramesh Kanchan said the State government’s ambitious guarantee schemes have played a significant role in improving the standard of living of people across Karnataka.
He stressed that officials and members of the committee must actively work to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left out of the schemes.
“The guarantee schemes have brought significant benefits to people, and every eligible person should receive the assistance intended for them,” he said.
Warning against Gruha Lakshmi cyber fraud
Referring to cyber fraud targeting beneficiaries of the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme, Ramesh Kanchan said fraudsters have been calling beneficiaries claiming to facilitate the release of scheme funds and collecting bank account details and one-time passwords (OTPs) to steal money.
He advised beneficiaries not to share bank details or OTPs with anyone and urged them to immediately report suspicious calls to the National Cyber Crime Helpline by dialling 1930.
According to him, if victims report the fraud within one hour of the incident, there is up to a 90 per cent chance of recovering the lost amount.
He also instructed officials to create awareness among beneficiaries regarding such cyber scams.
Details sought on deceased beneficiaries
Ramesh Kanchan said the State Government has directed authorities to submit details regarding funds credited to the bank accounts of deceased beneficiaries under the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme.
A list containing 2,318 deceased beneficiaries from Udupi Taluk has already been provided. However, the list does not mention their native places.
He instructed officials to collect the required details through Anganwadi workers and complete the process at the earliest.
No changes in guarantee schemes
The committee president urged the public, especially women beneficiaries, not to believe rumours and misinformation circulating on social media regarding the State’s five guarantee schemes.
He clarified that no new government guidelines have been issued and that all guarantee schemes will continue without any changes.
“There is no need for beneficiaries to worry or be misled by false information being circulated on social media,” he said.
New bus routes and student bus passes
Addressing transport-related issues, Ramesh Kanchan said proposals seeking new bus services on several routes in Udupi Taluk have already been forwarded to the district committee and expressed confidence that the services would commence soon.
He also explained the procedure for obtaining free bus passes for school and college students.
Students are required to download the bus pass application form from the Seva Sindhu, fill in personal details, upload photographs and supporting documents, including fee payment receipts, study certificates and Aadhaar cards.
After submitting the application through the portal, an acknowledgement will be generated, and the bus pass will be issued through the agency located at Kadiyali.
Medical ration cards and Yuva Nidhi beneficiaries
Speaking about ration cards, Ramesh Kanchan said people requiring urgent medical treatment can apply for new ration cards by submitting medical records, scanning reports and income certificates through a Karnataka One Centre.
He noted that the Food Department’s software contains a list of 103 eligible diseases and applications would be processed according to prescribed guidelines.
He urged eligible patients to make use of the facility and directed officials to identify and prevent ineligible persons from availing benefits under the Gruha Jyothi Scheme.
Ramesh Kanchan also pointed out that some students in Udupi Taluk who have already secured employment are reportedly continuing to receive benefits under the Yuva Nidhi Scheme.
He directed officials to prepare a list of such ineligible beneficiaries and announced that a large-scale awareness programme on the Yuva Nidhi Scheme would be organised in Udupi Taluk to ensure that deserving youth receive its benefits.
Assistant Director of the Taluk Panchayat Farzana M, committee members and other officials were present at the meeting.