Bhatkal: Amidst the Congress party's five guarantees aimed at providing relief to the public upon assuming power, the 'Gruha Jyoti' scheme has been introduced, offering free electricity for households consuming less than 200 units. While preparations for implementing this scheme are underway, citizens are grappling with soaring electricity rates and taxes, resulting in hefty bills this month.

Given the current circumstances and the government's role in escalating electricity rates, doubts have arisen among the public regarding the fulfillment of promised free services. The government claims to be addressing this situation and assures swift action.

An official from HESCOM revealed that over 35,000 beneficiaries in Bhatkal taluk qualify for the 'Gruha Jyoti' scheme, considering the average annual electricity consumption of consumers. Presently, Bhatkal taluk has a total of 41,442 household electricity connections, with 35,266 customers falling within the category of using less than 200 units. Consequently, 85 percent of electricity consumers in Bhatkal taluk will be eligible to avail themselves of the 'Gruha Jyoti' scheme.

Political analysts believe that the Congress party's commitment to the five guarantees played a significant role in its exceptional victory in the state assembly elections. With the successful implementation of these guarantees, the influence of the Congress party, particularly among the marginalized sections of society, is expected to increase, benefitting the party in upcoming district panchayat, taluka panchayat, and parliamentary elections.