Bengaluru, July 1: The Karnataka government has launched a door-to-door verification drive for beneficiaries of the Gruha Jyothi free electricity scheme from July 1. The move aims to verify beneficiary details, update official records, and ensure that the scheme reaches only eligible households.
Officials said meter readers and staff from Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) will visit homes across the state to collect beneficiary information. The verification will be carried out using a mobile application and a declaration form.
What Is the Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
The Gruha Jyothi scheme is one of the Karnataka government’s flagship welfare programmes. It provides up to 200 units of free electricity every month to eligible domestic consumers.
The government said the latest verification exercise is intended to improve the accuracy of beneficiary records and prevent misuse of the scheme.
Documents Beneficiaries Need
During the verification, officials may ask beneficiaries to produce supporting documents. These include:
- Aadhaar card
- Passport-size photograph
- Voter ID card
- PAN card
- Ration card
- Rental or tenancy agreement (if applicable)
- Caste certificate
Officials have advised beneficiaries to keep these documents ready to help complete the verification without delay.
Verification Across All ESCOM Areas
The verification drive will cover consumers under all five Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) in Karnataka:
- BESCOM
- MESCOM
- HESCOM
- GESCOM
- CESC
The government has appealed to beneficiaries to cooperate with visiting officials and provide accurate information during the verification process.
BJP Questions Verification Process
The verification drive has also triggered a political debate.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka questioned why beneficiaries were being asked to submit documents such as PAN cards and caste certificates. He alleged that the government was changing the eligibility conditions of the scheme.
The Karnataka government, however, clarified that the exercise is only meant to verify beneficiary details, update records and ensure transparency in implementing the Gruha Jyothi scheme.
Officials said the statewide verification will continue until all registered beneficiaries have been covered.