The newly-elected Congress government of Karnataka has raised electricity prices across the state to 2.89 Rupees per unit for those consuming more than 200 units per month. This has been done to accommodate the ‘Griha Jyoti Scheme’ which promises a free supply of electricity to all the eligible households. The new prices will be implemented in the state from July 1, 2023.
This move from the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government is now facing a lot of protests and backlash because before the state assembly elections, the Congress had promised a free electricity scheme to the people of the state without any condition whatsoever. This announcement is also facing criticism from the political opposition, which staged protests in Bengaluru, Chikkaballapura, Mysuru, and Davangere.
And while earlier, it was announced by the Congress that all the households will be able to enjoy ‘free electricity’ up to the consumption of 200 units of power under the ‘Griha Jyoti Scheme’, now, only the ‘eligible households’, which are those falling under the below 200 units slab, can apply through the Seva Sindhu portal. The scheme will be commenced in the month of July, the same time the price hike will be implemented for those using more than 200 units of power in the state.