Are you looking for a way to reduce your electricity expenses and improve your quality of life? If yes, then you should know about the Karnataka Gruha Jyothi Scheme, a unique government initiative that provides free electricity to residential households in Karnataka.
The scheme aims to empower and support the residents of the state by alleviating the burden of electricity costs and promoting sustainable energy consumption. Under the scheme, households that consume up to 200 units of electricity per month will not have to pay their electricity bill. This can help them save up to Rs. 1000 per month and use their money for other important things.
The scheme was announced by the chief minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, on June 2, 2023, and is expected to benefit over 55,000 consumers who have registered for the scheme on the first day. The official launch of the scheme is scheduled for August 1, 2023, and from that date onwards, eligible beneficiaries will receive a “zero bill” for their electricity usage in July, provided it remains within their entitlement.
If you are interested in applying for the scheme and saving money on your electricity bills, then read on to find out more details about the scheme, such as its objectives, benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and application status.
How to Apply for the Scheme
The first step to avail the benefits of the scheme is to apply for it online or offline. To apply for the scheme, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria and provide some required documents. Here are the details of the eligibility criteria and the required documents for the scheme:
Eligibility Criteria for Karnataka Gruha Jyothi Scheme
- You must be a resident of Karnataka and have a valid Aadhaar card.
- You must have a residential electricity connection from any of the five power distribution companies (BESCOM, HESCOM, MESCOM, CESC, or GESCOM) in Karnataka.
- Your monthly electricity usage must fall below the average monthly consumption for the financial year 2022-23, plus 10 percent, within the limit of 200 units. For example, if your average monthly consumption for 2022-23 was 150 units, then your monthly usage must be less than 165 units (150 + 10% of 150) to qualify for the scheme.
- You must not have any pending dues or arrears with your power distribution company.
Required Documents to Apply
Documents Required To apply for the Karnataka Gruha Jyothi Scheme, you will need to submit the following documents along with your application form:
- Aadhar Card: This is a mandatory document that serves as your identity and address proof. You will need to enter your Aadhar card number and verify it with an OTP on the Seva Sindhu portal.
- Electricity Connection Number: This is a unique number that identifies your electricity connection and meter. You can find it on your electricity bill or on the meter itself. You will need to enter this number and select your power distribution company from the drop-down menu on the Seva Sindhu portal.
- Voter Identity Card: This is an optional document that can be used as an alternative address proof if you are a tenant and do not have a rent or lease agreement. You will need to upload a copy of your voter ID card showing the address of the premise where you have the electricity connection.
- Rent/ Lease Agreement: This is an optional document that is required if you are a tenant and not the owner of the premise where you have the electricity connection. You will need to upload a copy of your rent or lease agreement showing the details of the owner and the tenant, along with your Aadhar card.
- Mobile Number: This is a mandatory document that is used to communicate with you regarding your application status and other details. You will need to enter your mobile number and verify it with an OTP on the Seva Sindhu portal.
Steps to Apply for Karnataka Gruha Jyothi Scheme Online
- Visit the official website of Seva Sindhu portal at https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in/.
- Register on the portal using your name, address, contact details, Aadhaar card number etc.
- Log in to the website using the generated credentials.
- Click on the Gruha Jyoti Yojana application link to access the application form.
- Fill in the required details correctly and upload the required documents.
- Submit the application form and note down the application number for future reference.
Steps to Apply for Karnataka Gruha Jyothi Scheme Offline
- Visit your nearest power distribution company office or gram panchayat office and collect the application form for the scheme.
- Fill in the required details correctly and attach copies of the required documents.
- Submit the application form at the same office and collect a receipt with your application number.
Tips to Fill the Application Form Correctly
- Make sure you enter your Aadhaar card number correctly and verify it with an OTP.
- Make sure you enter your electricity consumer number correctly and select your power distribution company from the drop-down menu.
- Make sure you enter your monthly electricity usage correctly and do not exceed your entitlement limit.
- Make sure you upload clear and legible copies of your documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Make sure you review your application form before submitting it and correct any errors or mistakes.
How to Check the Application Status
After applying for the scheme online or offline, you can track the status of your application online or offline. Here are the steps to check your application status:
Steps to Check Application Status Online
- Visit https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in/ and log in with your credentials.
- Click on the Gruha Jyoti Yojana application status link and enter your application number.
- Click on the submit button and view your application status on the screen.
Steps to Check Application Status Offline
- Visit your nearest power distribution company office or gram panchayat office and provide your application number and Aadhaar card number.
- Ask the official to check your application status and provide you with the details.
What to Do in Case of Any Queries or Grievances Related to the Scheme
If you have any queries or grievances related to the scheme, such as eligibility, application, billing, etc., you can contact the following helpline numbers or email addresses:
- Seva Sindhu portal: 080-4455 4455 or [email protected]
- BESCOM: 1912
- HESCOM: 1912
- MESCOM: 1912
- CESC: 1912
- GESCOM: 1912
You can also visit the official websites of the respective power distribution companies for more information on the scheme.
Conclusion
The Karnataka Gruha Jyothi Scheme is a great opportunity for eligible residential households in Karnataka to save money on their electricity bills and improve their quality of life. The scheme is expected to have a positive impact on electricity consumption and savings in the state, as well as on the environment and social welfare.
If you are eligible for the scheme, you should apply for it as soon as possible and share your feedback or experiences with others.
