The Gruha Jyothi Scheme is a flagship initiative introduced by the Government of Karnataka to provide free electricity to households. Launched in 2023 by the Congress-led government, this welfare scheme is aimed at reducing the financial burden on middle-class and economically weaker families by offering up to 200 units of free electricity each month.
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Objective of the Scheme
The primary goal of the Gruha Jyothi Scheme is to ensure affordable and uninterrupted power supply to eligible households. It is one of the five key pre-election promises, also known as “guarantees,” made by the state government. The scheme reflects the commitment to social welfare and inclusive growth by helping citizens manage their monthly utility expenses more easily.
Key Features
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Free Electricity: The scheme provides up to 200 units of electricity per month free of charge to each eligible household.
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Eligibility: All domestic electricity consumers in Karnataka are eligible, regardless of income status, provided they do not exceed the 200-unit limit.
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No Disconnection for Arrears: Consumers who apply for the scheme and have pending bills are not disconnected, provided they clear the arrears or join the scheme as per guidelines.
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Online Registration: People can apply through the Seva Sindhu portal or visit BESCOM/KPTCL offices for offline help.
How It Works
The electricity department uses the average consumption of each household over the past 12 months to set a baseline. As long as the user consumes within the allotted 200 units, the electricity bill is waived. If usage exceeds the limit, the consumer must pay for the entire consumption, including the subsidized units.
Benefits
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Financial Relief: The scheme eases the financial pressure on families by saving them money on monthly electricity bills.
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Promotes Energy Responsibility: Since users must stay under 200 units to get the benefit, it encourages energy conservation.
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Boosts Economic Stability: By saving on utilities, families can redirect funds to education, healthcare, or other essential needs.
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Political Goodwill: The government strengthens its connection with the public by delivering on promises that directly impact daily life.
Challenges
While the Gruha Jyothi Scheme has seen widespread appreciation, there are concerns about its financial sustainability and potential burden on the state treasury. There is also the administrative challenge of tracking and verifying consumption limits across millions of households.
Conclusion
The Gruha Jyothi Scheme stands as a progressive and people-centric initiative by the Karnataka government. It provides direct support to families by offering free electricity up to 200 units, thus ensuring energy access and financial relief. If implemented efficiently and supported by public cooperation, the scheme has the potential to become a model for other Indian states.