BENGALURU: The Karnataka government has launched a major audit of its flagship Gruha Jyothi Scheme after officials reportedly found that more than 10 lakh non-voters were receiving free electricity benefits under the programme.
The development has triggered a statewide verification drive as the government seeks to ensure that the subsidy reaches only eligible beneficiaries. The Gruha Jyothi Scheme, one of the Congress government’s key welfare initiatives, provides up to 200 units of free electricity per month to eligible households across Karnataka.
Why Is Karnataka Auditing the Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
According to government sources, a review of beneficiary data revealed that a significant number of people who are not registered voters in Karnataka were availing the scheme’s benefits.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that the scheme was intended for eligible Karnataka residents and that irregularities would be addressed through a comprehensive verification process.
The government has now ordered a detailed audit to identify ineligible beneficiaries and prevent misuse of public funds.
KYC Verification to Be Introduced
As part of the audit, the Karnataka government is planning a Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process for all beneficiaries.
Officials are also considering linking benefits to a single RR (Revenue Register) number to prevent multiple claims and ensure greater transparency in the distribution of subsidies.
The move is expected to help eliminate duplicate entries and improve the efficiency of the welfare scheme.
Karnataka Spends ₹800 Crore Every Month
The Gruha Jyothi Scheme represents one of the state’s largest welfare expenditures, with Karnataka reportedly spending around ₹800 crore every month to provide free electricity to households.
Given the scale of the scheme, officials say it is important to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries receive assistance.
Political and Public Reactions
The audit has sparked political debate, with supporters arguing that verification is necessary to protect taxpayer money and ensure that benefits reach genuine recipients.
Others have called for transparency in the audit process and urged the government to avoid inconvenience to legitimate beneficiaries.
What Happens Next?
The government is expected to roll out the verification process in phases across Karnataka. Beneficiaries may be required to update their details and complete KYC formalities once the final guidelines are announced.
Officials say the objective is not to discontinue the scheme but to strengthen its implementation and ensure that welfare benefits are delivered fairly and efficiently.
The outcome of the audit could have significant implications for Karnataka’s welfare programmes and may influence how similar schemes are monitored in the future.