Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the ‘Gruha Jyoti’ scheme, providing free electricity, will start on August 1. The ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ scheme, offering Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to women heads of families, will begin on August 17 or 18. These schemes were discussed in a meeting with government officials and are part of the Congress party’s promises.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to simplify the application process and avoid unnecessary requirements. They were also told to provide valid reasons if applications are rejected. Due to the expected high number of applications, the Seva Sindhu portal’s capacity will be increased.
Siddaramaiah clarified that tenants would also be eligible for the Gruha Jyoti scheme. Women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families can apply for the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, while taxpayers and GST registered families are not eligible.
Registration for the Gruha Jyoti scheme can be done through the Seva Sindhu Portal, and assistance will be available at Electricity Supply Companies. The process begins on June 15 and can be completed online or at designated centers.
New homeowners and tenants will receive free electricity based on the state’s average consumption once one year’s data is available. Old electricity bill arrears can be paid until September 30, and tenants can provide specific documents for this facility.
The Gruha Lakshmi scheme will be launched on August 17 or 18 in Belagavi. Applications can be submitted online through the Seva Sindhu portal or in person at ‘Nadakacheris’ with dedicated counters. Required information includes Ration Card Number, Aadhaar Card Numbers of both spouses, and bank account details with Aadhaar.
The scheme’s funds will be directly deposited into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). It is estimated to benefit around 85 percent of families in the state, including APL cardholders without tax obligations or GST registration.