Bengaluru: Amid controversy over the collection of caste details during the ongoing verification of beneficiaries under the Gruha Jyothi free electricity scheme, Bescom Friday clarified that furnishing the information is purely optional.The clarification comes a day after widespread criticism on social media and concerns raised by beneficiaries over the inclusion of a “category” column in the beneficiary verification form used by Bescom staff and meter readers during the statewide door-to-door verification drive. TOI had reported on the backlash in its July 2 edition.The beneficiary verification exercise, which began across Karnataka on July 1, involves Escom staff collecting consumer information through the Seva Sindhu mobile app and printed declaration forms. The inclusion of caste details had sparked questions over its relevance in the universal electricity subsidy scheme, with several beneficiaries refusing to disclose the information.Bescom stated that entering the beneficiary’s category or caste certificate details is entirely voluntary. A formal statement from the company said field staff have already been instructed that if a consumer declines to furnish caste information, they should simply select the “refused to provide information” option available in the Seva Sindhu app. The utility reiterated that refusal to provide caste details will not affect a consumer’s eligibility for the scheme.Helpline openedBescom has opened a dedicated helpline at the corporate office to address the queries of consumers and beneficiaries related to data collection and verification under the Gruha Jyothi Scheme.The helpline numbers — 9480816111, 9480816112, 9480816113, and 9480816114 — work daily from 6am to 10pm.
