Key Facts
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced that beneficiaries of the state's flagship guarantee schemes — Gruha Lakshmi and Gruha Jyothi — must reapply to continue receiving benefits. The move is aimed at eliminating irregularities and ensuring that only eligible individuals avail the schemes.
Gruha Lakshmi provides ₹2,000 per month to the woman head of the family, while Gruha Jyothi offers free electricity up to 200 units per month for residential connections.
Details of the Reapplication Process
Speaking to the media, CM Shivakumar clarified that the government is not stopping the schemes or removing any genuine beneficiaries. “All those who provide correct documentation will continue to receive benefits,” he assured. The reapplication will involve verification of documents to weed out ineligible claimants.
Shivakumar revealed that leakages worth over ₹100 crore had been detected under Gruha Lakshmi, where benefits were claimed in the names of deceased individuals. Similarly, under Gruha Jyothi, multiple electricity meters were found registered under a single person, and the scheme was being misused for commercial properties.
Financial Outlay and Beneficiaries
Gruha Lakshmi is the costliest guarantee scheme. The government has spent ₹62,345 crore on it up to 2025-26, with ₹28,608 crore earmarked for 2026-27. Currently, 1.24 crore women are beneficiaries.
Gruha Jyothi has 1.74 crore beneficiaries, with total expenditure of ₹28,000 crore till 2025-26 and a budget allocation of ₹10,578 crore for 2026-27.
Impact and What Beneficiaries Should Know
The reapplication process is expected to streamline the schemes and ensure that benefits reach the intended recipients. Beneficiaries will be issued ID cards for easier identification. CM Shivakumar emphasized that the cost of power is rising, making it essential to prevent misuse. “The cost of 200 units of power is increasing. The cost of power we are purchasing is also going up,” he noted.
Beneficiaries are advised to keep their documents ready and respond to official notices regarding reapplication. The government will provide clear guidelines on the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are beneficiaries of Gruha Lakshmi and Gruha Jyothi required to reapply?
To plug leakages, including benefits worth over ₹100 crore claimed in names of deceased persons and misuse of free power for commercial purposes.
What is the monthly benefit under Gruha Lakshmi scheme?
₹2,000 per month to the woman head of the family.
How many beneficiaries are covered under Gruha Jyothi?
1.74 crore beneficiaries as of the latest budget.
Source: www.thehindu.com