Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Gruha Jyothi, Karnataka free electricity scheme |
|---|---|
| Department | Energy Department, Government of Karnataka |
| Benefit | Up to 200 units of free electricity every month |
| Who can apply | Residents of Karnataka, including tenants, for domestic use only |
| How it is given | Through the electricity bill, linked to your Aadhaar and RR number |
| Apply at | sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in or your ESCOM portal (BESCOM, MESCOM, GESCOM, HESCOM) |
| Cost to apply | Free, no service charge |
Key points
- Up to 200 units of free power every month, for domestic use.
- Only residents of Karnataka, or people registered as voters in the state, can apply.
- Commercial connections do not qualify.
- The scheme is under review, so beneficiary lists may change.
So what do you actually get?
Eligible households get up to 200 units of free electricity every month.
The benefit is applied to your electricity account, so the bill should show no outstanding amount for those units.
The scheme covers both urban and rural areas of Karnataka.
Amounts and rules can change, so please confirm the current details on the official Seva Sindhu portal.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
You must be a resident of Karnataka, or be registered as a voter in the state.
The scheme is only for households using electricity for domestic purposes.
Commercial establishments do not qualify, even if they are in a residential building.
Each house gets a single connection under the scheme.
Tenants can apply too. They can use a self-declaration for verification.
The government has said the scheme is meant only for people of Karnataka, and beneficiary lists are being reviewed.
Why is this scheme under review now?
The Karnataka government has recently decided to review Gruha Jyothi and other guarantee schemes.
The Energy Department found that some commercial establishments were also taking the 200 unit benefit.
The government plans a house to house survey to decide the deserved beneficiaries.
So if you apply now, your details may be checked again.
What should you keep ready before you apply?
Keep your Aadhaar card ready. Your Aadhaar must be linked to your Account ID or RR number on the electricity bill.
Keep your latest electricity bill, and an ID proof.
If you are a tenant, you will need a self-declaration form.
Keep your mobile number handy, because the portal may send updates there.
How do you apply online, step by step?
Visit sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in or the Gruha Jyothi application portal, sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in.
You can also use your ESCOM portal: BESCOM, MESCOM, GESCOM or HESCOM.
Select the Gruha Jyothi application or registration option from the services list.
Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, RR number, address and resident status.
Upload your ID proof, your latest electricity bill, and the tenant self-declaration if it applies.
Submit the form and save the acknowledgement. Download it for future reference.
- 1Open the portalVisit sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in or the Gruha Jyothi portal, sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in.
- 2Choose the applicationSelect the Gruha Jyothi application or registration option. You can also use your ESCOM portal.
- 3Enter your detailsEnter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, RR number, address and resident status.
- 4Upload documentsUpload your ID proof, latest electricity bill, and tenant self-declaration if it applies.
- 5Submit and saveSubmit the form and save the acknowledgement. Download it for future reference.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
How do you check status, and what if the benefit is missing?
Check the status on the Seva Sindhu portal using your application details.
If units are not being credited, first check that your Aadhaar is linked to your RR number.
Also check that your electricity bill is paid up to date for any amount above the free units.
For help, contact your local ESCOM office, such as BESCOM or the one in your district.
Important tips and warnings
Apply only through the official portals and your ESCOM office. There is no service charge.
Do not pay any agent or person who promises faster approval.
Keep your acknowledgement safe, and check your bill each month to confirm the benefit.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to apply for Gruha Jyothi?
No. The application is free and there is no service charge.
Can tenants apply for Gruha Jyothi?
Yes. Tenants can apply and use a self-declaration for verification.
Will I get free electricity for commercial use?
No. The scheme is only for domestic use. Commercial establishments do not qualify.
Does the scheme cover urban and rural areas?
Yes. It applies to both urban and rural households in Karnataka.
Why is the scheme being reviewed?
The government found that some commercial users were also taking the benefit. It plans a house to house survey to confirm eligible beneficiaries.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
