In a significant announcement, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has provided much-needed relief to tenants in the state by extending the benefits of the “Gruha Jyoti” scheme. As part of this initiative, tenants will now be eligible to receive 200 units of free electricity, fulfilling the Congress party’s election promise ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections.
Addressing the concerns and confusion surrounding the scheme’s eligibility, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the provision of 200 units of free electricity is not limited to homeowners alone but also applies to tenants. This step aims to ensure equitable access to power benefits for all households, regardless of whether they own or rent their residences.
The “Gruha Jyoti” scheme was one of the five guarantees promised by the Congress party in its election campaign. Responding to the recent protests by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against the power tariff hike and the reconsideration of the anti-cow slaughter law enacted by the previous Yediyurappa government, Siddaramaiah questioned the moral standing of the saffron party to stage such protests.
Karnataka’s Energy Minister, KJ George, further clarified that tenants can avail themselves of the scheme by providing the required documents. These documents include proof of their duration of stay in the rented house, electricity bills, and rental agreements. Additionally, it is essential for the house owner to pay property tax and declare the total number of properties owned.
Karnataka Chief Minister Extends Free Power Benefits to Tenants
To streamline the process, the Karnataka government issued guidelines for availing free electricity under the Gruha Jyoti scheme. Registration on the Seva Sindhu portal has become mandatory for tenants to access the benefits of free electricity up to 200 units.
In response to criticisms and allegations of misuse, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the scheme, stating that it aims to assist the poor and middle-class citizens facing economic distress. The provision of 10% more free electricity consumption than the annual average consumption has been well-received by the people. However, he accused the BJP of instigating the misuse and extravagant use of electricity, emphasizing their rejection by the people.
While the BJP staged protests against the Congress party for allegedly delaying the implementation of the five promised initiatives, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP for its failure to fulfill its own election promises. He highlighted the BJP’s unfulfilled commitments of providing 10 hours of free power, waiving farmers’ loans, and allocating ₹1.5 trillion for irrigation. Siddaramaiah questioned the moral authority of the BJP to protest, considering its track record.
In conclusion, the decision to extend free power benefits to tenants in Karnataka under the Gruha Jyoti scheme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to electricity for all households. This initiative not only fulfills an election promise but also aims to alleviate the economic burden on the poor and middle-class citizens of the state.
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Furthermore, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP’s protests and referred to the party as anti-people, highlighting their failure to deliver on their own electoral promises. He pointed out that the BJP had not fulfilled commitments such as providing 10 hours of free power, waiving farmers’ loans, and allocating ₹1.5 trillion for irrigation. Siddaramaiah questioned the moral standing of the BJP to criticize the implementation of the Congress party’s initiatives when they themselves had fallen short.
Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of having no substantial grounds for their protests, claiming that they were simply attempting to disrupt without any valid reason. He asserted that the BJP had previously mismanaged the state during their tenure in power, tarnishing its reputation. He posed the question again, questioning the moral rights of the BJP to protest against the policies and decisions of the current administration.
The Chief Minister further emphasized that the Congress government’s objective was to empower and support the people of Karnataka, particularly those facing financial challenges. The provision of free electricity aimed to alleviate the burdens faced by the economically disadvantaged sections of society. Siddaramaiah reiterated that the scheme had received positive feedback from the people and highlighted the additional 10% free electricity allocation above the average annual consumption.
Meanwhile, the BJP continued their protests against the Congress party, accusing them of delaying the implementation of the promised initiatives. They staged a sit-in protest in Bengaluru, specifically targeting Minister K. Venkatesh for his controversial statements regarding the anti-cow slaughter law. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the BJP’s actions as lacking any moral authority or substantial basis. He emphasized that the BJP had failed to fulfill their own electoral promises, which raised questions about their credibility and eligibility to protest against the Congress government.
In conclusion, the Karnataka Chief Minister’s decision to extend free power benefits to tenants through the “Gruha Jyoti” scheme marks a significant development in the state’s welfare initiatives. By making free electricity accessible to tenants, the government aims to ensure equal and inclusive access to this essential resource. Despite facing criticism and protests from the opposition party, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the scheme, highlighting its purpose of supporting the poor and middle-class citizens in the state. The Congress government remains committed to fulfilling its election promises and prioritizing the welfare of the people of Karnataka.