Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar Assists Displaced Family in Karnataka
Belagavi: Minister for women and child development Laxmi R. Hebbalkar, paused her journey on Wednesday to assist a family in distress near Hanaganahalli on the Vijayapura-Bagalkot highway. The Minister, returning to Belagavi after attending a program at the Women’s University in Vijayapura, stopped for a roadside meal when she noticed Gowramma Wade, an elderly woman, offering water to passersby.
Upon approaching Gowramma, Hebbalkar learned that she and her son Mallu were struggling after being displaced due to road construction. They were living in a single-room house provided by a plantation owner but were without basic necessities like utensils, bedding, and sufficient food. To make matters worse, they had lost their ration card, leaving them without access to essential government benefits.
Moved by their plight, Hebbalkar immediately provided financial assistance and promised to expedite the family’s inclusion in various welfare schemes such as the Gruhalakshmi and Anna Bhagya schemes. She directed local officials to issue a new ration card and ensure the family received all entitled government benefits.
Assistant Sub-Inspector HS Gowdar, who had previously helped the family by providing rice during difficult times, shared more details of their situation. Hebbalkar praised Gowdar for his compassionate service and thanked him on behalf of the government.
The Minister emphasized that schemes like Gruhalakshmi and Anna Bhagya were designed to support people in need and reiterated that the government’s responsibility was to ensure these benefits reached those who required them most. She assured that she would personally oversee the process of providing the family with the necessary support.
“This is why we have government schemes—to reach out to those in dire need,” Hebbalkar said. “I will make sure this family gets the help they deserve.”