Delhi, Karnataka power subsidy schemes: A point-by-point comparison

Power subsidies represent a critical initiative by many Indian states to alleviate the financial burden of electricity on their citizens. Here’s a look at the power subsidy schemes implemented by Delhi and Karnataka governments. 

Karnataka's  ‘Gruha Jyothi’ scheme and Delhi's ‘Zero Power Bill’ scheme are among the country's leading electricity subsidy initiatives, with distinct implementation methods and eligibility criteria.

Karnataka's Gruha Jyothi Scheme

In Karnataka, the government introduced the Gruha Jyothi scheme to provide free electricity up to 200 units to its residents. The registration process is conducted via the Seva Sindhu portal or authorised centres, requiring valid documents like Aadhaar card, recent electricity bill, consumer ID, and mobile number. 

This scheme is designed to benefit residents, either as owners or tenants, excluding commercial usage and consumption over 200 units. Despite initial server issues, the scheme recorded impressive registration numbers, with 96,305 consumers registering on the first day, which subsequently rose to 3,34,845 and 3,85,481 on the second day and June 20, respectively. 

A crucial aspect of this scheme is its stringent limit of one electricity meter per household, which prevents misuse of the subsidy.

Delhi's Zero Power Bill Scheme

Delhi's Zero Power Bill scheme allows residents to apply online or offline for subsidised electricity. Before the implementation of this scheme, residents automatically received 200 units of free electricity per month, but now, an application must be submitted monthly to avail of the free power facility. 

To apply, residents can either fill out a form attached to their monthly electricity bill or send a request through WhatsApp. The registration process completes within three days, and the power subsidy cycle starts. 

Residents consuming less than 200 units receive free electricity, while those consuming up to 400 units get a 50 per cent subsidy. This scheme has not only contributed significantly to energy conservation but also to Delhi's substantial budget allocation for the energy sector.

Comparison and Conclusion

While both schemes aim to subsidise power, their implementation mechanisms differ. Karnataka's Gruha Jyothi scheme, initiated by the Congress government, offers free power up to 200 units, requiring a one-time registration through an online portal or authorized centres.

On the other hand, Delhi's Zero Power Bill scheme, led by the AAP government, mandates monthly applications to continue receiving the subsidy, which can be done online or offline. Another point of divergence is that while Karnataka's scheme focuses solely on residential power consumption, Delhi's initiative extends to special subsidies for certain segments of society such as victims of the 1984 riots, lawyers' chambers within court premises, and agricultural consumers.

Eligibility 

In Delhi, all residents of Delhi can apply, with a subsidy available for those consuming less than 200 units for free and a 50 per cent subsidy for those consuming up to 400 units.

On the other hand, Karnataka government offers the scheme for all residents of the state, including tenants and homeowners, with the subsidy applicable to residential households for consumption of up to 200 units per month.

Registration Process

Delhi residents can apply online or offline using forms attached to their monthly power bill or requested via WhatsApp. They need to apply each month to continue availing the free power facility.

In Karnataka registrations are open through the Seva Sindhu portal or authorised centers with a requirement of valid documents like Aadhaar card, mobile number, recent electricity bill, and consumer ID.

Nature of the Subsidy

Delhi offers free electricity for consumption of up to 200 units, 50 per cent subsidy for consumption between 200-400 units. Subsidy now needs to be activated by the user.

In Karnataka each household can get up to 200 units of electricity free of charge.