BENGALURU: After Gruha Lakshmi clean-up, the state govt is now auditing another popular guarantee programme, Gruha Jyothi, which offers free electricity up to 200 units every month.With State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority flagging lakhs of ineligible beneficiaries, the govt has decided to strictly implement eligibility norms. Beneficiaries must be voters in Karnataka and one beneficiary can claim only one RR (revenue register) number.A six-month audit reveals over 10 lakh non-voters in Karnataka have availed themselves of the scheme. Besides, a considerable number of individuals have been drawing free power through multiple RR numbers. At least 1.7 crore beneficiaries avail free power under five Escoms, with the govt spending Rs 800cr a month in subsidy.
Government plans KYC
In some cases, beneficiaries were diverting free electricity for commercial activities. The govt is now considering the introduction of KYC process to verify whether beneficiaries are registered voters in Karnataka and RR numbers belong to residential units.Chief minister DK Shivakumar Monday said these schemes are not meant for outsiders. “We’ll ensure the benefits are enjoyed only by voters in Karnataka. Why should we extend these benefits to those who do not vote here?”Guarantee Implementation Authority vice-chairperson Dinesh Gooligowda said several households have been found availing benefits through multiple RR numbers.“The scheme is applicable to only one domestic RR number per beneficiary. In many urban households, there are two RR numbers: one for domestic lighting and another for water pumping motors or borewells. While the scheme is intended only for domestic consumption, several beneficiaries have been found claiming free electricity for water pumps and borewells as well,” he said.He added, “In some cases, electricity subsidised under the scheme is being used for commercial activities operating from residential premises… We’ve urged govt to examine these instances of misuse and plug leakages,” he said.
