The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) stated that sharing beneficiary category details in the Gruha Jyoti free power scheme re-verification is voluntary, not mandatory. Staff have been gathering beneficiary data through a mobile app and printed forms since July 1. Caste information collection is optional, with a ‘Refused to provide information’ choice available.
Clarifying further, BESCOM emphasized that beneficiaries can choose not to disclose their caste details. The power utility assured that sharing caste information is entirely voluntary and not a requirement. The controversy arose during a door-to-door re-verification drive under the Gruha Jyoti scheme to identify misuse and ineligible beneficiaries.
The re-verification process involved collecting various documents, including Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN card, ration card, and caste certificate. While the BJP criticized the inclusion of PAN and caste details, alleging income and caste-based eligibility checks, the Congress government defended the move to prevent misuse. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar highlighted the need for fresh verification to prevent ineligible consumers from benefiting from the scheme.
