Karnataka free power scheme: How to apply and other details
To clarify the billing process, the government announced that those consuming fewer electricity units than the “eligible average” will receive a zero-electricity bill. The “eligible average” will be based on the consumption in the 2022-23 period, with an additional 10% units provided along with the average from the previous year. Consumers exceeding this average will be billed for the difference, and those exceeding the 200-unit limit will be required to pay the entire bill.
Although the Karnataka free power scheme is primarily meant for domestic power connections, beneficiaries can only claim benefits for a single connection. To qualify, consumers need to apply through the Seva Sindhu portal and link their customer ID/Account ID with their Aadhaar number. There were concerns about this “single connection” clause, especially for tenants, but a Bescom official clarified that tenants can also benefit from the scheme by submitting their rental agreement during the application process.
The government further announced the merger of existing schemes, such as Bhagya Jyothi, Kuteera Jyothi, and Amrutha Jyothi, with the Gruha Jyothi Scheme. Additionally, the government issued directions, requiring those eligible for the scheme to settle any arrears up to June 30 within three months to avoid disconnection. This move underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the Gruha Jyoti Scheme.
Let’s dive into the details of Karnataka’s “Gruha Jyoti” scheme, a significant initiative promised by the Congress before the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. This scheme, one of the “five guarantees,” aims to provide free power up to 200 units for domestic consumers in the state. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the essential aspects you need to know:
Eligibility and Enrollment for Karnataka free power scheme
Starting from June 15 to July 5, eligible individuals can enroll for the “Gruha Jyoti” scheme through the state government’s Seva Sindhu portal. To participate, applicants must provide proof of residency, which can include documents such as the Aadhaar card, voter ID, title deed, or lease/rental agreement, via the Seva Sindhu application.
Who is Eligible for Karnataka free power scheme?
All residential consumers within the state of Karnataka are eligible to avail the benefits of this scheme.
Scheme Details
The “Gruha Jyoti” scheme, often referred to as the flagship program of the Government of Karnataka, aims to provide free electricity up to 200 units for every residential household in the state.
Application Process
Interested individuals can register for the scheme through the Seva Sindhu website using a desktop, laptop, or smartphone. The registration process officially begins on June 15.
Benefits Commencement
The benefits of the scheme will start accruing from the meter reading date on or after August 1, 2023, applicable for consumption in July 2023.
Documents Required
To register for the scheme, individuals need to provide their Aadhaar card, consumer ID/account ID (as available on any month’s electricity bill), and relevant tenancy documents if applicable (such as rental/lease agreements) or Voter ID showing the address of the premise.
Application Modes
Apart from the online mode, citizens can also apply through assisted modes available at Grama One, Karnataka One, and Bangalore One centers.
Fees and Arrears
There is no fee required for registering on the Seva Sindhu website. Regarding arrears, individuals need to clear any arrears up to June 30 within three months; otherwise, the connection may be disconnected.
Multiple Meters and Commercial Establishments
Only one meter per household will be eligible for the scheme, and the scheme is extended for the benefit of residential households only.
Aadhaar Linking
It is mandatory to link Aadhaar with consumer ID/account ID to avail this scheme.
Consumption and Bill
The benefit calculation is based on average consumption for the Financial Year 2022-23 plus a 10% increase, amounting to less than 200 units. If consumption is less than the entitled units, a ‘zero bill’ will be generated for that month. If consumption exceeds 200 units, the individual will have to pay the entire bill amount for that specific month.
Address Proof for Non-Karnataka Aadhaar
If your Aadhaar is registered outside Karnataka but you reside in Karnataka with valid address proof, you are eligible for the scheme.
Ownership Changes
In cases where the bill is in the name of a late parent, the connection must be transferred to your name, and then you can apply for the scheme.
As you navigate through the intricacies of the “Gruha Jyoti” scheme, understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and related details will ensure that you can avail the benefits provided by this significant initiative from the Government of Karnataka.
Karnataka free power scheme for Tenants
In Karnataka, tenants are eligible to benefit from the Gruha Jyoti Scheme, which provides free electricity. Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, conIn Karnataka, tenants are eligible to benefit from the Gruha Jyoti Scheme, which provides free electricity.firmed that tenants are included in the Gruha Jyoti Scheme, granting free power up to 200 units to all domestic consumers starting from July 1. To apply for this scheme, simply click here. This clarification follows recent guidelines issued by the Congress government regarding the scheme’s benefits. Siddaramaiah emphasized that this scheme is not applicable for commercial use, but rather aimed at households. The Gruha Jyoti Scheme was one of the key promises made by the Congress prior to the 2023 Assembly elections.
