Upset with the delay in implementing “Bhagyalakshmi” scheme, Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday hit out at officials for their “apathy” and warned to take strict action if they failed to mend their ways.
Are you (officials) giving the money from your pocket...No scheme should be delayed even for a minute,” he warned after giving away the first LIC bond under the scheme to one-year old Pragathi of Bagalkot (a beneficiary) -- after 18 months delay -- in Bangalore.

The scheme is aimed at providing Rs 10,000 insurance cover to the girl child born in below poverty line families, to eradicate social evils like female foeticide,child labour, child marriage and ensure education to girls. Though it was announced by Mr Yediyurappa in his maiden budget in March 2006, the scheme could not be implemented due to red tape.

Dream project
Mr Yediyurappa, whose dream project is “Bhagyalakshmi,” also expressed his happiness at the launch of the scheme. “I am really happy today. This is a unique scheme in the whole country. The scheme will not only help girl children belonging to below poverty line families but put an end to discrimination the girl children have been facing for a long time,” he stated.

Bonds will be given to an estimated 1.50 lakh children who were born after March 31, 2006. The bond amount (for children who were born in the previous financial year) also includes the interest amount for the delay in implementation of the scheme. A total of Rs 10,850 bond amount will be issued, he said.

The beneficiaries will be selected by volunteers at anganawadis and the bond amount, along with the total interest amount earned will be handed over to the beneficiaries after they attain 18 years.

Sandhya Suraksha
The State Government will also shortly launch the Sandhya Suraksha scheme, wherein Rs 400 monthly old-age pension will be given to those above 65 years age, with effect from July, 2007.

SCHEME DETAILS

Initial premium                   -- Rs 10,000 (Rs 10,850, including the interest, for 2006-07)
Annual medical insurance  -- Rs 25,000
Annual scholarship             -- Rs 300 to 1,000 (from 1st to 10th standard)
Accident insurance             -- Rs 1 lakh
Natural death                     -- Rs 42,500
Consolidated amount         -- Rs  34,751