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Karnataka Government extends free power scheme to tenants in rented accommodations

CM Siddaramaiah and energy minister KJ George addressed concerns and provided clarification on the free power scheme for residents living in rented accommodations. They assured that tenants would also be eligible for the scheme if their monthly power consumption remained below 200 units.

Siddaramaiah stated that all households, including those living in rented homes and consuming less than 200 units of power, would be covered by the scheme. He emphasized that there was no need for worry in this regard. The scheme, however, does not extend to commercial buildings.

To ensure transparency and prevent misuse, George explained that landlords must disclose the number of houses they have rented out, along with the revenue register (RR) numbers and the duration of tenancy for each house. Tenants are required to upload this information on the Seva Sindhu portal, along with their Aadhaar number, rental agreement, and RR numbers of their houses.

Upon successful verification of the application, tenants will be eligible for free power up to 200 units. However, those who fail to register on the portal will not receive the benefit. Landlords, on the other hand, can only claim the benefit for one RR number, a measure taken to prevent fraudulent activities involving fake rental agreements. This mandatory registration process also allows individuals who do not wish to avail themselves of the scheme to opt out.

George further highlighted that the scheme excludes owners of houses who have not paid property tax. This requirement ensures that only eligible and law-abiding citizens can benefit from the scheme.

Regarding the estimated number of beneficiaries, the minister mentioned that the state has approximately 2.15 crore RR numbers. However, the exact count of households seeking to avail themselves of the scheme will be determined upon completion of the verification process.

The government's initiative to include rented accommodations under the free power scheme brings relief to tenants who were initially concerned about their eligibility. By extending the benefits to such households, the government aims to ensure equal access to affordable power. The scheme also serves as an incentive for landlords to accurately report the number of rented houses, promoting transparency and discouraging the use of fake agreements.

Through the mandatory registration process, the government can effectively verify the authenticity of applicants and prevent any misuse of the scheme. This not only safeguards the interests of genuine beneficiaries but also maintains the integrity of the program.

The requirement for property tax payment by house owners further emphasizes the importance of fulfilling civic responsibilities. By excluding defaulters from the scheme, the government encourages compliance with tax obligations and ensures that resources are directed towards deserving individuals.

As the verification process progresses, the government will gain a clearer understanding of the exact number of households seeking to benefit from the scheme. This data will aid in effective planning and resource allocation, allowing the government to cater to the needs of eligible households efficiently.

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