More than 82,000 households in Karnataka currently benefiting from the state's Gruha Jyothi Scheme could soon lose their free electricity benefit after failing to complete the mandatory verification process initiated by the government.
In one of the flagship welfare programs of the Karnataka government, the Gruha Jyothi Scheme provides up to 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers every month. The scheme has saved lakhs of families electricity expenses since it was launched.
But the government is working to ensure only those who genuinely need this subsidy remain eligible.
The verification drive was launched to identify duplicate, ineligible, or incorrect beneficiaries and update consumer records, officials added. Despite repeated reminders and awareness campaigns, nearly 82,000 households have refused verification or failed to cooperate with officials conducting the exercise, they said.
The verification process is necessary to maintain transparency and prevent misuse of public funds, officials said. Consumers need to confirm their identity, residential status, electricity connection information, and other eligibility criteria.
In case of failure to complete the verification within the stipulated deadline, the beneficiary will be removed from the list of beneficiaries.
The Energy Department has urged consumers not to ignore verification notices and advised them to cooperate with field officials. The exercise is not meant to cancel benefits arbitrarily, but to make sure that subsidies go to those who need them, they said.
The verification campaign has been undertaken in urban and rural areas of Karnataka. Most of the beneficiaries have completed verification while only a small number remain unverified. However, the number of households that refuse verification has raised concerns among authorities.
Government officials have appealed to consumers who have missed earlier visits to contact their local electricity supply company offices or customer service centers to complete the process.
They also warned that continued non-compliance may lead to suspension of Gruha Jyothi benefits until verification is completed.
The government has reiterated its commitment to continue the Gruha Jyothi Scheme as well as the responsibility of welfare programs. The periodic verification is also done to avoid fraud and make subsidy distribution efficient.
Consumers are advised to keep all necessary documents ready and respond quickly if contacted by verification teams. Completing verification on time will avoid interruptions in receiving free electricity under the scheme.
As Karnataka is evolving in its welfare programs, beneficiaries should stay updated on official announcements and comply with verification requirements to receive continuous benefits under the Gruha Jyothi Scheme.
