Launch of Gruha Jyothi 2.0 mobile app by Energy Department in Karnataka plagued by major technical glitches,casting doubt on integrity of beneficiary verification process. Meter readers in Bengaluru report app lets through incorrect documentation,undermining efforts to ensure only eligible beneficiaries get benefits .
Field workers see app failing to validate uploaded documents properly. A meter reader from Malleswaram vented frustration: “Even if we upload photo of blank sheet of paper instead of tenant’s document or rental agreement,app accepts it.” He noted most apps reject invalid uploads. Critical flaw in Gruha Jyothi app.
Issues go beyond document uploads. Another meter reader from Ganganagar found app doesn't verify beneficiary photos well. During recent check,he mistakenly uploaded photo of beneficiary's father instead of the woman. “The app accepted it without any objection,” he recalled . App should catch such errors and prompt for correct image.
In Munireddy Palya,another meter reader noted app captures GPS data to confirm location but fails if it doesn't flag incorrect photos. “What is point if meter reader captures wrong photos and app is not alerting them?” he asked,reflecting bigger concern about app's reliability.
App also criticized for accepting details from non-voters . Chief Minister had said benefits only for Karnataka voters,yet app allows entries from those with Aadhaar cards and voter IDs from other states. A meter reader in North Bengaluru said, “I have entered details of Aadhaar card and voter ID,both documents have his address of Madhya Pradesh. app accepted it instead of rejecting it.” Raises serious questions about door-to-door verification process.
Lack of essential validation features in Gruha Jyothi 2.0 app stirs growing concerns over accuracy and credibility of ongoing verification . An official from Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) stated meter readers will be accountable for wrong photos after verification. “Once verification is completed and if wrong photos are uploaded,we will pull up respective meter readers,” official said,highlighting importance of GPS data for proper location tracking during verification.
As verification drags on, Gruha Jyothi 2.0 app's effectiveness remains in doubt. Technical glitches not only threaten program's integrity but also underline urgent need for improvements to ensure only eligible beneficiaries get intended benefits…
