Karnataka’s Gruha Lakshmi Scheme Set For Big Change. Millions May Need To Reapply

Last Updated:June 15, 2026, 13:31 IST

The Karnataka government’s the move is intended to improve beneficiary verification and ensure that only eligible households continue to receive government support

The Karnataka government is preparing a major overhaul of two of its flagship welfare schemes — Gruha Lakshmi and Gruha Jyothi — by introducing a fresh application and verification process aimed at identifying ineligible or duplicate beneficiaries.

The two schemes, launched by the Congress government as part of its five election guarantees, have become among the most widely used welfare programmes in the state. While Gruha Lakshmi provides monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,000 to women heads of households, Gruha Jyothi offers free electricity up to 200 units per month.

Fresh Applications May Soon Become Mandatory

The state government is expected to issue an official order shortly making fresh applications compulsory for existing beneficiaries who wish to continue receiving benefits under the two schemes.

According to reports, the move is intended to improve beneficiary verification and ensure that only eligible households continue to receive government support.

Applications are likely to be accepted through Bengaluru One, Karnataka One, Grama One centres and offline service centres across the state.

New Eligibility Criteria Under Consideration

The Women and Child Development Department has reportedly prepared a revised application form for Gruha Lakshmi beneficiaries and submitted it to the government and finance department for approval.

The new application form may require beneficiaries to provide details such as:

• Name of the woman head of the household and Aadhaar number
• Bank account details
• Information on household members receiving benefits
• Caste category Husband’s name and Aadhaar details
• Aadhaar card documents
• Whether the applicant is an income-tax or GST payer
• Whether the household holds an APL or BPL ration card

The government is expected to finalise and notify the revised criteria soon.

Biometric Verification To Become Mandatory

In a significant change, the government is also planning to introduce mandatory biometric verification for Gruha Lakshmi beneficiaries.

Officials estimate that nearly 1.3 crore beneficiaries are currently enrolled under the scheme. To continue receiving benefits, beneficiaries may have to complete biometric authentication through fingerprint, iris scan or facial recognition at designated service centres, including Bengaluru One, Grama One, Seva Kendras and Bapuji Seva Kendras.

Both Aadhaar and the beneficiary identification number issued by the Women and Child Development Department are expected to be required during verification.

Additional Documents For SC/ST Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) may also need to provide the RD number mentioned on their caste certificate during the verification process.

Officials indicate that financial assistance under the scheme may be released only after beneficiaries complete the biometric verification and submit all required documents.

Why The Government Is Reviewing The Schemes

The review comes as the Karnataka government seeks to strengthen oversight of its welfare programmes and ensure benefits reach genuine beneficiaries. The fresh verification drive is expected to help identify duplicate entries, remove ineligible applicants and improve transparency in the distribution of government funds.

Both Gruha Lakshmi and Gruha Jyothi remain central to the state’s welfare agenda, making the upcoming verification process important for millions of households currently receiving benefits.

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