The Karnataka government has pushed the deadline for the Gruha Jyothi scheme verification to September 30, aiming to cover the remaining 30% of beneficiaries across BESCOM jurisdictions.
- Survey deadline extended from August 31 to September 30, 2026.
- Approximately 46.7 lakh out of 68.86 lakh beneficiaries have been verified so far.
- BESCOM implements a three-visit rule for locked houses with SMS notifications.
In a significant move to ensure that no eligible household is left behind, the Karnataka State Government has officially extended the deadline for the door-to-door verification survey of the Gruha Jyothi scheme. Originally scheduled to conclude on August 31, the process will now continue until September 30, 2026. This extension is critical for the millions of residents under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd. (BESCOM) jurisdiction who are yet to be verified.
As of May 2026, there were approximately 68.86 lakh beneficiaries registered under the scheme within the eight districts managed by BESCOM. Data indicates that while the survey, which commenced on July 1, has seen strong progress, only about 70% (46.7 lakh beneficiaries) have been successfully surveyed. The government is now racing against time to verify the remaining 30% to maintain the integrity of the free electricity program.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the extension is likely a response to logistical hurdles in urban hubs, particularly within high-rise apartments in Bengaluru. The lack of cooperation from apartment associations and the prevalence of locked residential units have slowed the verification pace. By extending the window, the government aims to prevent the accidental cancellation of benefits for genuine users while filtering out ineligible claimants.
The integration of geo-tagging (latitude and longitude) in the survey app is a strategic move by BESCOM to eliminate ghost beneficiaries and ensure transparency in subsidy distribution.
To streamline the process, BESCOM Managing Director N. Shivashankara has urged citizens to cooperate with meter readers. For properties found locked, the staff will visit up to three times at different intervals. During these visits, the staff will record the exact coordinates of the premises and mark them as 'DL' (Door Lock) in the mobile application. Following this, an SMS containing the meter reader's contact details will be sent to the registered mobile number of the beneficiary.
Regarding vacant properties, the protocol requires physical verification and geo-tagging before the premises can be officially marked as 'VACANT' in the system. This rigorous approach is designed to prevent fraudulent claims of occupancy.
| Category | Status/Protocol |
|---|---|
| Total Beneficiaries (BESCOM) | 68.86 Lakh |
| Verified (as of Aug 31) | 46.7 Lakh (70%) |
| Locked House Protocol | 3 Visits + SMS Notification |
| Vacant House Protocol | Physical Visit + Geo-tagging |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What should I do if my house was locked during the survey?
BESCOM staff will visit three times. You will receive an SMS with the meter reader's contact details; you should contact them immediately to schedule your verification.
Q2: How can I get assistance regarding the Gruha Jyothi survey?
Beneficiaries can call the dedicated BESCOM helpline numbers: 9480816111, 9480816112, 9480816113, or 9480816114.
