Karnataka Begins Verification of Free Power Scheme Beneficiaries Statewide
The Karnataka government's review of beneficiaries under its flagship free electricity scheme, Gruha Jyothi Yojane, will commence on Wednesday with a door-to-door verification drive across the state. The Energy Department has announced that meter readers and officials from all five Electricity Supply Companies—BESCOM, MESCOM, HESCOM, GESCOM, and CESC—will visit consumers' homes to validate records and update beneficiary details.
The scheme, introduced in July 2023, provides up to 200 units of free electricity per month to eligible families. The verification process will be completed on-site using a mobile application and a declaration form. Beneficiaries have been asked to keep ready documents including Aadhaar card (for verification only), a passport-size photograph, voter ID card, PAN card, tenancy or rental agreement (where applicable), ration card, and caste certificate.
Officials have emphasized that physical verification by meter readers is mandatory to complete the process. They have appealed to consumers to cooperate with visiting staff to ensure the exercise is completed smoothly. The drive is part of the government's effort to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries continue to receive the benefit and that records remain updated.
The move has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who allege it is intended to reduce the number of beneficiaries and cut costs. However, the government maintains that the verification is necessary to prevent leakage and ensure targeted delivery of subsidies.
