Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 22: A staggering 24 lac beneficiaries of the Gruha Jyothi scheme across Karnataka have failed to submit the required documents for verification, while over 1.10 lac consumers have voluntarily opted out of the free electricity facility.

Providing details on the ongoing verification process, BESCOM managing director Dr N Shivashankar stated that out of the 1.69 crore registered consumers state-wide, 24 lac have not provided their documents. In the BESCOM jurisdiction alone, which accounts for 69 lac beneficiaries, 16 lac consumers have not cooperated with the verification drive.

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Staff members have been conducting door-to-door visits for the past four months to verify credentials. The massive backlog is attributed to locked houses, relocated tenants, and uncooperative residents, particularly in apartment complexes. According to officials, some consumers verbally state that they do not want the facility but hesitate to sign the formal rejection declaration. However, 1.10 lac consumers under the BESCOM limits have explicitly opted out, and their free electricity benefit will be formally discontinued.

Despite officials visiting the unresponsive households three times and sending SMS alerts to their registered mobile numbers, there has been no response from these 16 lac BESCOM consumers.

While consumers have until October 31 to visit their respective BESCOM sub-divisional offices to submit the necessary documents, Dr Shivashankar clarified that there will be no further deadline extensions. A detailed report on those failing to submit their documents will be handed over to the state government, which will then take a final decision on continuing their subsidy.