Bengaluru: The Gruhalakshmi Scheme introduced by the Congress-led Government in Karnataka has garnered significant public interest. The scheme aims to provide a monthly deposit of Rs. 2000 to homeowners. While the application process for this scheme has not yet commenced, reports have emerged about fraudulent activities surrounding it. Unscrupulous agencies have been found charging Rs. 150 for fake applications, leading to instances of extortion and fraud. Furthermore, numerous fake apps claiming to be associated with Gruhalakshmi Scheme have appeared on the Play Store, necessitating caution among women.
Lakshmi Hebbalkar, the Minister for Women and Child Welfare, announced that a dedicated app for the Gruhalakshmi Scheme will be created, not only accessible through the Seva Sindhu portal but also allowing for registration. The app has already been developed and was presented to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other cabinet ministers during a meeting held on June 27. After finalising minor changes and policy rules, the app will be officially released.
However, more than ten fraudulent apps have already surfaced on mobile app stores under the name of Gruhalakshmi Scheme, masquerading as official Government apps. These fake apps mimic the official ones in terms of application forms, procedures, required documents, and recommendations, making it easier for people to mistakenly believe they are genuine Government apps.
Cybersecurity experts have issued warnings regarding the risks associated with downloading these fake apps. There is a potential for these apps to gather personal information and engage in fraudulent activities. During the application process for Gruhalakshmi Scheme, applicants are required to provide their bank account details. There is a possibility that at some point in the application process, individuals may be asked to provide their OTP (One-Time Password). This raises concerns of potential financial loss if the OTP is related to their bank account.
The proliferation of such fake apps has increased the likelihood of cybercriminals gaining unauthorised access to people’s bank accounts. As a result, individuals are strongly advised not to download unauthorised apps.
To prevent falling victim to scams related to Gruhalakshmi Scheme, the following precautions are recommended:
1. The application process for Gruhalakshmi Scheme has not officially begun. Any individual or agency claiming to accept applications should be reported.
2. Use the official app or the Seva Sindhu portal released by the government for submitting applications.
3. Do not succumb to any fraudulent offers or pay any unauthorised fees.
It is crucial to note that there is no fee involved in the application process for Gruhalakshmi Scheme. The entire process is completely free of charge.
Minister of State for Women and Child Welfare, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, has taken this matter seriously and firmly stated that no payment should be made to anyone.
Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, speaking on the issue in Belagavi, confirmed receiving information about a similar incident in Ballari. The matter will be thoroughly investigated. Moreover, the minister emphasised that there is no need to pay any fees for this application.
“I have already informed all the staff in my department that women in the state should not spend a single rupee for the Gruhalakshmi Scheme. The application service centres are charging Rs. 20 for the service, but the government will cover these charges. We have decided to allocate the necessary funds from the Women and Child Welfare Department to pay Rs. 20 per application, as instructed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. We will provide the funds to the service centers.”
Minister Hebbalkar further clarified, “We will bear the costs for services such as Seva Sindhu, Gram One, Nadakacherry, and Bapuji service centers. As per CM Siddaramaiah’s instructions, we will allocate Rs. 20 per application from my department and provide it to the service centres.