BJP’s ambitious Bhagyalakshmi scheme grounded

No bonds issued in last two and half years

The BJP government got its third Chief Minister in four years on Thursday. But one of its ambitious programme – Bhagyalakshmi, launched with much fanfare during its first year of rulke, has failed to take off since more than last two and half years.

In Mysore district alone, 10,518 applications are pending due to lack of funding and support by the government. The programme seeks to provide financial security to girl children hailing from economically weaker sections, where Rs 1 lakh bond will be given in the name of newborn girl child which she can encash on attaining 18 years.

According to sources in the Women and Child Welfare Department not only in Mysore, many other districts in the State to are also waiting for the bond.

Moreover, even the applications of those who do not have permanent BPL cards are being rejected. This inspite of the Food and Civil Supplies having stopped issuing permanent cards since several months. This has resulted in drastic decline of number in registrations for the bonds. While in 2008-09 about 17,093 got bonds, the numbers fell to 15,591 in 2009-10; 13,614 in 2010-11. But in 2011-12 only 5,240 have registered their names, which is less than 40 percent of the previous year.

Women and Child Welfare Department Deputy Director NR Vijay said that the
reason for sharp decline in number is that most of the families don't own permanent BPL Cards.  Earlier based on Income Tax certificates, BPL families were getting bonds. Later a circular said that bonds can’t be issued based on temporary BPL cards and income tax certificate.

Mangala says, “there is lot of confusion to obtain bond. We are fed up approaching offices to obtain permanent BPL card. Gopvernment should provide bonds based on Income Certificate, if not let it withdraw the scheme.”

Food and Civil Supplies Assistant Director Devaiah said that “the process of providing permanent card is on and about 50 franchisee are working across district from past one week. Shortly permanent cards will be issued for all those hold temporary card.”