Congress government in Karnataka brought launched two more schemes of his five election guarantees - ‘Anna Bhagya’ and ‘Gruha Jyothi’ on Saturday. Under the Anna Bhagya scheme, beneficiaries will get cash in lieu of the additional 5 kg of rice and under the 'Gruha Jyothi' scheme, 200 units of free electricity will be provided to households in the state. This comes after the government already implemented one of its five poll guarantees known as 'Shakti' by providing free services for women in public transport buses, reported news agency PTI.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said payment of money to beneficiaries under the Anna Bhagya scheme for this month is likely to begin after July 10. However, he said the Gruha Jyothi scheme came into effect from Saturday and the electricity bill for the same for this month will come in the beginning of August.
He said, as quoted by PTI, "We have said July month's amount (under Anna Bhagya scheme) will be paid to beneficiaries in July itself, instead of rice." He said his party had not said they will pay it on July 1st itself. And most likely the government will start making the payments after July 10.
“This month's amount will be deposited into the bank account of the beneficiaries within this month," said Siddaramaiah. While talking to reporters, he said, "The Gruha Jyothi scheme will begin from Saturday, so from this month it will be free (upto 200 units), but the bill will come in August."
On the issues of difficulties in procuring large quantities of rice, the state government decided to pay cash to beneficiaries at the rate of Rs 34 per kilo for the additional 5kg of rice under the free rice scheme, which is applicable to every member of a BPL household, reported PTI.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa said the amount will be transferred to the bank account of the beneficiaries in a week or 10 days. He said, "90 percent of beneficiaries have a bank account. 5kgs per person means, the beneficiary will get Rs 170," as quoted by PTI.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Chikkamagaluru regarding Gruha Jyothi, Energy Minister K J George said registration for the scheme is going on and about 86.5 lakh consumers have registered so far.
George said, "Free current (up to 200 units) is applicable from today itself and the bill to this effect will come in the beginning of August.” The Minister said consumers, who want to benefit from the Gruha Bhagya scheme will have to register online. Anyone willing to avail of the benefits can apply till July 24 or 25.
On the other hand, to enjoy the benefits of the Gruha Jyothi Scheme, people will have to register on the 'Seva Sindu' website and apply for the same.