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Gruha Jyoti

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Gruha Jyoti
ಗೃಹ ಜ್ಯೋತಿ (Kannada)
Type of projectElectricity subsidy scheme
StateKarnataka
MinistryDepartment of Energy of Karnataka
Key people
Launched1 July 2023; 2 years ago (2023-07-01)
Bengaluru, Karnataka
Budget₹12,000 crore (2024-25)
StatusActive

Gruha Jyoti Yojana (also known as Gruha Jyothi Scheme) is an electricity subsidy programme implemented by the Government of Karnataka, India, in 2023.[1] The scheme provides free electricity consumption up to 200 units monthly to eligible households across Karnataka.[2] The programme was launched following the Congress party's electoral victory in the 2023 Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections, representing a key manifesto commitment.[3] The initiative operates across all electricity supply companies in Karnataka, including BESCOM, MESCOM, HESCOM, GESCOM, and CESC.[4]

Background and launch

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The Gruha Jyoti Yojana emerged as a principal electoral commitment made by the Indian National Congress during the 2023 Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections.[5] The scheme was incorporated into the party's election manifesto as a comprehensive welfare measure designed to address electricity affordability concerns among Karnataka households.[6] The programme was conceptualised as part of a broader social welfare package aimed at reducing household expenditure on essential services.[7] The formal announcement of the scheme's implementation was made following the Congress party's electoral victory in May 2023.[8] The scheme was officially launched on 1 August 2023 across Karnataka, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah overseeing the state-wide implementation.[9] The implementation required extensive coordination between the Karnataka government and state electricity supply corporations across all 30 districts.[10] The launch was accompanied by state-wide publicity campaigns to ensure awareness among eligible beneficiaries across urban and rural constituencies.[11] The scheme's rollout was completed systematically, with priority given to districts with higher concentrations of Below Poverty Line households and rural areas.[12]

Scheme details and benefits

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Under the Gruha Jyoti Yojana, eligible households receive free electricity consumption up to 200 units per month, with the state government subsidising the entire cost through the electricity supply companies.[13] Households consuming more than 200 units in a billing cycle are required to pay the full amount, as the subsidy applies exclusively to consumption within the prescribed limit.[14] The scheme was subsequently modified in January 2024 to provide households consuming less than 48 units monthly with an additional 10-unit buffer, enhancing benefits for low-consumption categories.[15] The programme covers all categories of residential electricity connections, including single-phase and three-phase domestic connections registered under individual names.[16] Beneficiaries receive monthly electricity bills indicating zero charges for consumption within the subsidised limit, with detailed consumption breakdowns provided for transparency.[17] The scheme includes provisions for households relocating within Karnataka through a delink facility, ensuring continuity of benefits during address changes.[18] Advanced metering infrastructure has been deployed across participating electricity supply companies to monitor consumption patterns and prevent unauthorised usage.[19] The programme also incorporates provisions for seasonal consumption variations, particularly during summer months when electricity usage typically increases across Karnataka households.[20]

Eligibility and application process

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Eligibility for the Gruha Jyoti Yojana requires applicants to be Karnataka residents with residential electricity connections registered in their names.[21] Applicants must demonstrate monthly electricity consumption below 200 units based on their previous billing history to qualify for the subsidy programme.[22] Non-resident Indians residing in Karnataka are eligible for scheme benefits provided their Aadhaar identification is linked with their electricity consumer account.[citation needed] The application process requires submission of recent electricity bills to verify consumption patterns, ensuring compliance with the 200-unit monthly limit for subsidy eligibility.[23] Applications are processed through the Seva Sindhu digital platform, which commenced accepting registrations from 18 June 2023 following technical preparations.[24] Required documentation includes identity proof, address verification, electricity connection certificates, and bank account details for subsidy processing and verification.[25] Tenancy agreements are required for rental accommodations where electricity connections may not be registered in the applicant's name, ensuring scheme access for tenants.[26] The digital application system was implemented to reduce processing delays and improve accessibility for both urban and rural applicants across Karnataka's 30 districts.[27]

Implementation and coverage

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The Gruha Jyoti Yojana operates across all 30 districts of Karnataka through the state's five electricity supply companies: BESCOM, MESCOM, HESCOM, GESCOM, and CESC.[28] The implementation involved substantial infrastructure upgrades, including installation of smart metering systems and digital billing platforms to accurately track consumption and subsidy disbursement.[29] Regular audits are conducted by state electricity boards to ensure compliance with scheme guidelines and prevent fraudulent claims or misuse of subsidies.[30] The programme has been integrated with Karnataka's existing social welfare delivery mechanisms, enabling coordination with other state-sponsored schemes and programmes.[31] The Karnataka government waived Rs 389 crore in arrears from beneficiaries of three previous power schemes that were merged with the Gruha Jyoti programme.[32] Training programmes were conducted for electricity board officials and customer service representatives to handle scheme-related enquiries and application processing efficiently across all participating companies.[33] Monthly monitoring reports are submitted to the state government, tracking beneficiary enrollment, subsidy amounts disbursed, and overall programme performance metrics across districts.[34] Implementation also involved collaboration with local self-government institutions, including gram panchayats and municipal corporations, to ensure grassroots awareness and participation in rural and urban areas.[35]

References

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  1. ^ George, K.J. (7 June 2023). "Enrolment for Gruha Jyoti free power scheme to start on June 15". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  2. ^ "Over 51 lakh register for Karnataka govt's Gruha Jyoti free electricity scheme". Deccan Herald. 25 June 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  3. ^ "Karnataka: What poll guarantees tell us about the state of the economy". Deccan Herald. 21 May 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  4. ^ "Karnataka govt to launch 'Gruha Jyothi' scheme on Aug 1". The Economic Times. 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  5. ^ "Congress manifesto promises free electricity to Karnataka households". The Hindu. 15 April 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  6. ^ "Karnataka election promises: Congress commits to welfare schemes". The Indian Express. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  7. ^ "Karnataka welfare schemes post-election analysis". The Times of India. 20 May 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  8. ^ "Siddaramaiah government launches welfare schemes implementation". Business Standard. 21 May 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  9. ^ "Gruha Jyothi scheme launched across Karnataka districts". The New Indian Express. 1 August 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  10. ^ "Karnataka government coordinates with electricity boards for scheme implementation". Hindustan Times. 1 August 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  11. ^ "Karnataka government launches awareness campaign for Gruha Jyothi". The Hindu BusinessLine. 15 July 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  12. ^ "Phased implementation of Gruha Jyothi across Karnataka districts". Deccan Chronicle. 15 July 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  13. ^ "Free electricity scheme details announced in Karnataka". The Tribune. 15 June 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  14. ^ "Karnataka electricity subsidy rules clarified by government". The Financial Express. 20 June 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  15. ^ "Gruha Jyothi rules adjusted for households consuming under 48 units". Deccan Herald. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  16. ^ "Eligible connection categories under Karnataka electricity scheme". Moneycontrol. 25 June 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  17. ^ "Karnataka implements zero billing system for Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries". Mint. 25 August 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  18. ^ "Delink facility introduced for Gruha Jyothi scheme beneficiaries". OneIndia. 10 September 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  19. ^ "Smart meters deployed for Karnataka electricity subsidy scheme". ETEnergyworld. 15 August 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  20. ^ "Seasonal adjustments in Karnataka electricity subsidy scheme". News18. 30 March 2024. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  21. ^ "Eligibility criteria announced for Karnataka free electricity scheme". CNBC-TV18. 12 June 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  22. ^ "Consumption verification requirements for Karnataka electricity scheme". India Today. 18 June 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  23. ^ "Application requirements for Karnataka free electricity scheme". NDTV. 15 June 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  24. ^ "Seva Sindhu portal opens for Gruha Jyothi scheme applications". The Statesman. 18 June 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  25. ^ "Document verification requirements for Karnataka electricity subsidy". Mid-Day. 20 June 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  26. ^ "Tenant application procedures for Karnataka Gruha Jyothi scheme". The Free Press Journal. 25 June 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  27. ^ "Digital application system improves accessibility for Karnataka scheme". Outlook. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  28. ^ "State-wide implementation of Gruha Jyothi across Karnataka districts". The Pioneer. 5 August 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  29. ^ "Infrastructure upgrades for Karnataka electricity subsidy implementation". Business Today. 10 August 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  30. ^ "Audit mechanisms implemented for Karnataka electricity subsidy scheme". Current Affairs Adda247. 27 June 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  31. ^ "Integration of welfare schemes in Karnataka government framework". Dainik Jagran. 15 July 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  32. ^ "Karnataka govt to waive Rs 389 crore arrears of beneficiaries of 3 power schemes in wake of 'Gruha Jyothi'". Deccan Herald. 21 November 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  33. ^ "Training programmes conducted for Karnataka electricity board officials". Amar Ujala. 25 July 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  34. ^ "Monthly monitoring system established for Karnataka electricity scheme". Punjab Kesari. 30 August 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  35. ^ "Local government coordination for Karnataka welfare scheme implementation". Dainik Bhaskar. 5 September 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
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