The Karnataka government has decided to waive arrears to the tune of ₹389 crore for beneficiaries of the Kuteera Bhagya, Bhagya Jyoti, and Amruta Jyoti schemes, Energy Minister KJ George said on Tuesday, 21 November. These beneficiaries were either getting power free of cost or at a highly subsidised rate.
It has already merged these three schemes with its ambitious Gruha Jyoti scheme, offering free electricity up to 200 units to residential power connections.
‘CM has decided to waive arrears’
“Earlier, beneficiaries of Kuteera Bhagya and Bhagya Jyoti were getting 40 units and Amruta Jyoti beneficiaries 75 units. We have decided that those getting 40 units will now get 50 units plus 10 units, and those getting 75 units will get an additional 10 percent,” George told reporters.
“There were huge arrears of ₹389 crore of the beneficiaries of Kuteera Bhagya, Bhagya Jyoti, and Amruta Jyoti schemes. I spoke to the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) and he has decided to waive it,” the minister announced.
George also told reporters that the government had called tenders for solar substations and seven bidders have been shortlisted who will provide 750 MW.
The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission has fixed a rate of ₹3.17 per unit, the minister said, adding that many farmers at Pavagada in Tumakuru district have come forward to provide 8,000 acres of land to those generating solar power.
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