Karnataka cabinet modifies Gruha Jyothi Scheme rules
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has announced a key modification to the rules governing the Gruha Jyothi scheme, which provides free electricity for consumption up to 200 units. The government has decided to eliminate the 10% additional subsidy on average usage and instead introduce an allocation of 10 extra free units, irrespective of usage, up to the 200-unit limit.
Under the previous system of the Gruha Jyothi scheme, the state government determined free electricity by considering the consumer's average usage over the past 12 months. An additional 10% was then added to arrive at the entitled free usage.
With the latest decision, the 10% additional units have been removed, and consumers will now receive 10 extra units of free electricity, regardless of their usage, up to a maximum of 200 units.
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For example, if a consumer's average usage is 80 units, they will now be entitled to free usage of 90 units. Similarly, if a consumer's average usage is 165 units, they will receive free electricity for 175 units. The implementation of this new rule is expected to commence with the bills generated in February.
While this adjustment benefits consumers using below 100 units, it poses a disadvantage for users consuming above 100 units. Energy Minister KJ George stated that the government would incur an additional cost of Rs 500 to 600 crore due to this modification.
The 'Gruha Jyothi' scheme is one of the five guarantees implemented by the Congress-led government in the state, aiming to provide free electricity to eligible households. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the scheme in August last year in Kalaburagi.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
