Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Tuesday said there could be a discussion on restricting the guarantee schemes to below the poverty line (BPL) families only if the Opposition makes a proposal to restrict them.
Speaking to reporters here, the Home Minister said Turuvekere legislator M.T. Krishnappa had in the Tumakuru KDP meeting suggested that the guarantees could be restricted to BPL families. “I had then said that if the Opposition makes a proposal, we are willing to discuss it. Many people are voluntarily dropping out of the guarantee schemes. They include government officials and income tax payers. As an extension, Mr. Krishnappa had suggested that the guarantees could be restricted to the poor.”
Dr. Parameshwara said, “The pros and cons have to be discussed. During elections, we had not announced that the guarantees were meant only for BPL families.” He further said that there was no doubt about the guarantees being a burden on the exchequer. “Can it be considered a burden since the guarantees are given to the poor? Knowing fully well the pros and cons, the guarantees have been implemented in Karnataka.”
Dr. Parameshwara said the BJP was unhappy with the success of the guarantees and it was trying to derail them. The guarantees were meant for the poor, and that the BJP does not want the government to help the poor financially, he said.
Published - February 25, 2025 09:13 pm IST
