A day after the Karnataka Cabinet approved the dates of implementation for the five pre-poll guarantees of the Congress, Siddaramaiah led-state government on Saturday notified a Government Order fixing eligibility criteria for seeking benefits from the Yuva Nidhi scheme that promises unemployment benefits for graduates and diploma holders, as reported by The Hindu.


A Government Order on Anna Bhagya, another pre-poll promise made by the grand old party, increasing the quantum of foodgrains per person to 10 kg for families holding BPL or Antyodaya cards, was also issued.


The GO on Yuva Nidhi allows those who have passed out in 2023, but have not found employment within 180 days of passing out, to apply for unemployment benefits that will be given for a maximum of 24 months or until employment is found within 24 months. The graduates will get ₹3,000 and diploma holders will get ₹ 1,500 per month. The scheme is open for those who are domicile of Karnataka, The Hindu reported.


The unemployment benefits will be through direct benefit transfer and those seeking benefits must apply through the Seva Sindhu portal. Such people should make a voluntary declaration and inform the authorities if employment is found. A false declaration would attract a fine. However, the GO is silent on the quantum of fines to be imposed on those making false declarations, as reported by The Hindu.


Days after the party won the polls and finalised its Chief Minister, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the five promises made by the party will be fulfilled after the first cabinet meeting of the Karnataka government. Gandhi asserted that Congress doesn't make false promises and does what it says.
 
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, "Govt has taken a decision to implement all the five poll guarantees." He told this to media persons after holding a pre-cabinet meeting in Bengaluru, as quoted by ANI.


The State government has barred four categories of students from seeking the benefits. They include those who have taken financial assistance from various State and Central government schemes for self -employment; those who are getting apprentice allowance; those who have found employment in government or private sector, and those who have gained admission for higher courses.


What Are The 5 Poll Promises Made By Congress



  • Gruha Lakshmi: Rs 2,000 will be provided each month to Every Woman head of a house.

  • Yuva Nidhi: Unemployed graduates will be provided Rs 3,000 each month and Rs 1,500 to unemployed diploma holders.

  • Anna Bhagya: 10 kgs of rice will be provided per person each month to BPL families.

  • Gruha Jyoti: Congress government in Karnataka will provide 200 units of free electricity for every single household in the state.

  • Sakhi programme: Karnataka government will provide free bus tickets for women to travel in the state.


Meanwhile the Karnataka government on Tuesday enhanced the rates of the dearness allowance to the government employees and pensioners from the existing 31 per cent to 35 per cent with effect from January 1, 2023.


"Government is pleased to enhance the rates of Dearness Allowance payable to the State Government Employees in the 2018 Revised Pay Scales from the existing 31 % to 35% of Basic Pay with effect from January 1, 2023," a government order said.