The Gruha Jyothi scheme is a flagship welfare programme launched by the Karnataka government in July 2023, providing up to 200 units of free electricity per month to eligible residential households across the state. As one of the Congress government’s five pre-poll guarantees, the scheme has significantly reduced monthly living costs for middle- and lower-income families.
The scheme applies to both homeowners and tenants, ensuring that all residents of Karnataka can benefit from this initiative. With 1.74 crore beneficiaries currently availing the scheme, the Karnataka government has spent approximately ₹28,000 crore on the scheme up to the 2025–26 financial year and allocated ₹10,578 crore for its implementation in 2026–27.
The government has initiated a door-to-door verification drive starting July 1, 2026, to update beneficiary records and curb misuse of the scheme. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has assured that the scheme will continue without interruption, dismissing rumours of discontinuation.
Overview of Karnataka Gruha Jyothi Scheme
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Gruha Jyothi Yojana |
| Launched By | Government of Karnataka |
| Launch Date | July 2023 |
| Free Electricity | Up to 200 units per household per month |
| Total Beneficiaries | 1.74 crore households |
| Total Spent (up to 2025-26) | ₹28,000 crore |
| Budget Allocation (2026-27) | ₹10,578 crore |
| Eligibility | Karnataka residents with residential electricity connection |
| Mode of Application | Online (Seva Sindhu portal) and Offline |
| Helpline Number | 1912 (24×7) |
| Official Portal | sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in |
Key Features of the Scheme
The Gruha Jyothi scheme offers several distinctive features that make it a comprehensive welfare initiative.
Free Electricity Up to 200 Units:
Eligible households receive free electricity for consumption up to 200 units per month. If consumption exceeds 200 units, the consumer is billed only for the excess units beyond the free quota.
Applicable to All Citizens:
Both APL and BPL card holders are equally eligible to receive free electricity up to 200 units, irrespective of caste, religion, or family income.
No Application Fee:
Registration for the scheme is free of charge. However, a specified service charge applies for registration at Bengaluru One, Karnataka One, Grama One, and Grama Panchayat centres.
Tenants Included:
The scheme explicitly includes tenants, provided they have a separate electricity meter installed at their residence.
Zero Bills from August 2023:
The scheme came into effect from August 1, 2023, with beneficiaries receiving ‘zero bills’ starting from the August billing cycle for July consumption.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Gruha Jyothi scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must be a citizen/resident of Karnataka |
| Electricity Connection | Must have a residential electricity connection under the applicant’s name |
| Consumption Limit | Average monthly consumption should be below 200 units |
| Meter | Separate electricity meter installed (for apartment dwellers) |
| Commercial Connections | Not eligible for the scheme |
Important Notes:
- The scheme applies to a single electricity meter per individual. Even if a person has multiple RR numbers (consumer accounts) linked to their name, they are only eligible to receive benefits for one meter
- Both homeowners and tenants can apply for the scheme
Average Consumption Calculation
The government determines average electricity consumption using a specific formula to decide eligibility and free unit allocation:
Formula:
Average power usage = Average of electricity units used between April to March + 10% increase
Example:
- If a consumer’s average consumption from April 2022 to March 2023 was 150 units
- Adding 10% increase: 150 + 10% = 165 units
- The consumer receives 165 units of free electricity monthly
Billing Scenarios:
- Below Free Units: If monthly consumption is 165 units or less, zero bill is generated
- Exceeds Free Units but Below 200: If consumption is 175 units, consumer pays for the difference (175 – 165 = 10 units)
- Exceeds 200 Units: If consumption reaches 210 units, consumer pays the full bill for 210 units
For New Connections:
When a consumer has no previous year’s consumption record, the government provides an average of 53 units per month, with a 10% increase (approx. 58-59 units) as free electricity.
Documents Required
To apply for the Gruha Jyothi scheme, applicants need the following documents:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Voter ID Card | Residency proof |
| Electricity Bill | Contains Customer ID/RR Number |
| Passport-size Photograph | Application requirement |
| Ration Card | Optional, for additional verification |
| PAN Card | Optional, for verification drive |
For Verification Drive (2026):
The door-to-door verification requires additional documents, including PAN card, caste certificate, and tenancy/rental agreement where applicable.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The application for Gruha Jyothi can be completed both online and offline.
Online Application:
- Visit Seva Sindhu Portal: Go to sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in
- Select the Scheme: Click on the ‘Gruha Jyothi Scheme’ icon
- Fill Application Form: Enter relevant details
- Verify Declaration: Check the ‘Declaration’ box and enter Captcha Code
- Enter Aadhaar: Enter Aadhaar number and Click on ‘Get Details’
- Verify Details: Check all entered information
- Generate OTP: Click on ‘Generate OTP’ button
- Submit: Enter OTP and Click on ‘Submit’
- Save Application Number: Note down the application number for future reference
Offline Application:
Applications can be submitted at:
- Bangalore One centres
- Karnataka One centres
- Grama One centres
- Grama Panchayat offices
- Any Electricity Supply Company (ESCOM) office
Registration Start Date: The registration process began on June 18, 2023.
How to Check Application Status
Beneficiaries can track their application status through the Seva Sindhu portal:
Step 1: Visit https://sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in/
Step 2: Choose the ‘Beneficiary’ tab
Step 3: Click on ‘Check Status’
Step 4: Enter the application number
Step 5: Click on ‘Check Status’
Step 6: The application status will be displayed
The application number is sent to the registered mobile number and email ID upon successful submission.
Door-to-Door Verification Drive 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, the Karnataka Energy Department launched a door-to-door verification drive for Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries across all five Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs): BESCOM, MESCOM, HESCOM, GESCOM, and CESC.
Purpose of Verification:
- To curb misuse of the scheme
- To verify cases where multiple electricity meters are registered in a single person’s name
- To confirm beneficiaries are residing at declared addresses
- To ensure subsidy reaches eligible Karnataka residents
- To identify commercial establishments misusing residential connections
Verification Process:
ESCOM meter readers and staff visit consumers’ homes to verify records and collect beneficiary information using a mobile application and a declaration form. The entire verification process is expected to be completed within two months.
Documents Required for Verification:
- Aadhaar Card (for verification only)
- Passport-size photograph
- Voter ID card
- PAN card
- Tenancy or rental agreement (if applicable)
- Ration card
- Caste certificate
Important: The verification can only be completed through an on-site visit by the meter reader.
Financial Details and Government Commitment
The Gruha Jyothi scheme represents a significant financial commitment from the Karnataka government:
Expenditure:
- Total spent up to 2025-26: ₹28,000 crore
- Budget allocation for 2026-27: ₹10,578 crore
Government’s Assurance:
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has assured that the guarantee schemes, including Gruha Jyothi, will continue without interruption, dismissing rumours of discontinuation as “false propaganda” by opposition parties. He stated, “Guarantee is there, guarantee will be there! We will not stop guarantee schemes”.
Important Links and Official Resources
Official Websites:
- Seva Sindhu Portal: https://sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in
- Karnataka Government Portal: karnataka.gov.in
Helpline Numbers:
- 24×7 Helpline: 1912
- Alternative Helpline: 08022279954, 8792662814, 8792662816
Application Centres:
- Bangalore One
- Karnataka One
- Grama One
- ESCOM offices
What is the Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
The Gruha Jyothi Scheme is a Karnataka government initiative providing up to 200 units of free electricity per month to residential households. Launched in July 2023, it is one of the state’s flagship welfare programmes, benefiting 1.74 crore households.
Who is eligible for the Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
Karnataka residents with a residential electricity connection are eligible. Both APL and BPL card holders can apply. The scheme is available to homeowners and tenants with separate electricity meters. Commercial connections are not eligible.
What documents are required to apply?
Required documents include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Electricity Bill (with Customer ID/RR Number), and a passport-size photograph. Ration Card may be submitted for additional verification.
How can I apply for the Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
Apply online through the Seva Sindhu Portal (sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in) or offline at Bangalore One, Karnataka One, Grama One centres, or any ESCOM office. Registration began on June 18, 2023, and is free of charge.
How is the average electricity consumption calculated?
Average consumption is calculated as: (Electricity units used from April to March + 10% increase). Consumers with average consumption below 200 units receive free electricity up to that average limit. Those exceeding 200 units pay the full bill.
Is the scheme applicable to tenants?
Yes, tenants are eligible for the scheme provided they have a separate electricity meter installed in their name at the rented premises.
What is the door-to-door verification drive 2026?
Starting July 1, 2026, the Karnataka Energy Department is conducting a door-to-door verification of Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries to curb misuse and update records. ESCOM staff visit homes with a mobile application and declaration form.
What documents are needed for the verification drive?
Beneficiaries need to keep Aadhaar Card, Passport-size photograph, Voter ID, PAN Card, Tenancy/Rental Agreement (if applicable), Ration Card, and Caste Certificate ready for verification.
How much has the government spent on the scheme?
As of 2025-26, the Karnataka government has spent ₹28,000 crore on the scheme, with an additional ₹10,578 crore allocated for 2026-27. The scheme has 1.74 crore beneficiaries.
Is the Gruha Jyothi Scheme being discontinued?
No, the scheme will continue without interruption. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has assured the public that the guarantee schemes will not be stopped, dismissing opposition rumours as false propaganda.