Cash-rich Karunya Lotteries mocks at the needy

This is Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s signature campaign to give a humane face to the UDF Government. The Karunya lotteries, for which a number of public faces, including movies stars, have become brand ambassadors to support the social cause, has so far collected Rs  55 crore but has been able to disburse on a paltry Rs 7 crore.


There is a long list of 6,000 poor applicants who desperately need medical aid but only fewer than 750 could benefit from the CM’s scheme. Reason: acute staff shortage in the State Lotteries Department, the implementing agency of the project.  Lalu, 35, a kidney patient hailing from Anchal who had applied for the scheme, says that though he was sanctioned Rs 2 lakh, he is yet to receive it.


‘‘Though a cheque for Rs 2 lakh is with the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, the hospital authorities asked me to secure a special sanction from the government as the transplantation was done earlier. Without considering my ill-health, I personally submitted a petition to the Finance Minister’s office, but nothing has been done so far. Last week on my third visit to the minister’s office, they told me that I am ineligible for the aid,’’ said Lalu.


  As per the scheme, a patient has to apply to the  District Lottery Officer  concerned for assistance along with an advance expenditure estimate prepared by the doctor of a government hospital.


After scrutiny, the District Lottery Officer submits it for the consideration of a district-level committee headed by the Collector and later forwards it to the state-level committee with the Finance Minister as chairman.


The State Lotteries Department is now limping due to the additional weight.