Griha Jyoti Yojana, one of the most popular schemes of the Karnataka government, is in the news again these days. Under this scheme, up to 200 units of free electricity is given every month to domestic consumers of the state. But recently, after a major audit conducted by the government, some tough decisions are being taken regarding this scheme. If you are also taking advantage of this scheme or want to understand its rules, then this news is very important for you.
What is Grih Jyoti Yojana and why audit started?
Griha Jyoti Yojana is a major guarantee scheme launched by the Congress government of Karnataka, which aims to provide relief to the general public from costly electricity. At present, at least 1.7 crore people under the 5 Escoms of the state are availing the benefit of free electricity through this scheme, on which the government spends about Rs 800 crore every month as subsidy. However, a six-month intensive review and audit conducted by the State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority has revealed large-scale irregularities. The audit has revealed that more than 10 lakh people in the state have taken advantage of this scheme, who are not even registered voters of Karnataka. Apart from this, many people are violating the rules and taking advantage of free electricity on more than one meter.
Who will get the benefit?
After the audit report came out, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has decided to strictly enforce the eligibility rules. Now the benefits of the scheme will be available only to those who fulfill the conditions mentioned below:
- It is mandatory to be a voter of Karnataka: Chief Minister D.K. Shivkumar has made it clear that this scheme is not for outsiders. Those who do not vote in the state will not be given this benefit.
- Benefits on just one domestic RR number: This scheme is applicable to only one Domestic Revenue Register (RR) number for each beneficiary. Apart from domestic lighting, many houses have a second RR number for water pump or borewell, but now free electricity will not be available on the meter of water pump or borewell.
- residential use only: This free subsidized electricity can be used only for residential households. Those doing professional or commercial work from residential places will be excluded from this list.
Now KYC will have to be given to prevent financial loss
To prevent ongoing rigging and financial losses in the scheme, the government is now considering starting the KYC process on a large scale. Under this, a thorough check of the voter ID and their RR number of the beneficiaries will be done. Not only this, the government is now preparing a new methodology for re-registration in Griha Jyoti Yojana on the lines of Griha Lakshmi Yojana.
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