Gruha Jyothi: Telangana takes notes from Karnataka on implementation of free electricity scheme

Karnataka government has earmarked ₹13,910 crore for the scheme this financial year.

Telangana IAS officer Musharraf Faruqui held discussions with BESCOM MD Mahatesh Bilagi and Director Finance Dharshan J and IT and Revenue section officials of BESCOM

Gruha Jyothi is one of the six pre-poll guarantees of the Congress in Telangana.

The other five are the Mahalakshmi scheme, Cheyutha, Rythu Bharosa, Indiramma Gruha Nirmanam, and  Yuva Vikasam.

Also Read: Free electricity up to 200 units for households in Telangana from February, says minister

Gruha Jyothi

It seeks to provide 200 units of power free to all households. This is the one scheme where there is a proper estimate of the cost — ₹4,000 crore per annum.

In January last week (23 January), Telangana Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy said the free power supply of up to 200 units for domestic use, promised by the Congress under the Gruha Jyothi scheme, will be implemented from February.

Speaking to reporters then, the minister said if there was some delay in delivering on the promises, it was because of the previous BRS government leaving the state in a financial mess while demitting office.

“We are committed to implementing all the guarantees within 100 days as promised,” he said.

Also Read: Karnataka Cabinet tweaks Gruha Jyothi scheme

Criticism against the Congress

Reacting to the criticisms levied by the Opposition BRS, Venkata Reddy said the government would keep its promises.

“We are on course to provide 200 units of power free of cost to consumers from next month,” he said.

Lashing out at BRS leaders for their “intemperate” language in criticising the government, Venkat Reddy said that the pink party had never been in the habit of reviewing the promises made in its manifesto.

“We have done it (the review), just 47 days after coming to power. That explains the commitment the party has in serving people,” he said in January.