Karnataka govt withdraws circular for free electricity to SC/STs; to simplify rules further

Bengaluru: Karnataka government has withdrawn a circular issued for providing 75 units of free electricity per month to BPL card holder consumers belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes.

The order was issued on August 24, outlining the criteria for the selection of beneficiaries of the scheme. The Energy Department said that the rules were found to be cumbersome and needed simplification.

With a view to further simplify rules, the circular issued on August 24 has been withdrawn with immediate effect, the energy department said.

The circular said that the eligible beneficiaries cannot consume more than 250 units of electricity per month. Moreover, beneficiaries were required to submit a host of documents including a customer ID number, rent or lease agreement of residence, and proof of residence among others.

According to sources, Energy Minister V Sunil Kumar instructed officials to simplify the rules as people were finding it difficult to source the documents required. After which, the circular was withdrawn.