The Government of Karnataka has announced a unique assistance scheme for landowners who have electric poles, transformers, or other electrical infrastructure located on their private agricultural land. Under this scheme, eligible farmers and landowners will receive a financial subsidy of ₹5,000 per electric pole or transformer situated on their property.
This initiative aims to compensate rural farmers for the loss of cultivable land and potential agricultural productivity caused by the presence of electricity infrastructure installed by power distribution companies (like BESCOM, HESCOM, GESCOM, MESCOM, or CESCOM).
This article provides a detailed explanation of the subsidy, including its purpose, eligibility, required documents, application process, benefits, and key guidelines.
Background of the Scheme
In rural Karnataka, a large number of agricultural lands have electric poles, transmission lines, or distribution transformers installed by the electricity department for power supply purposes. While this infrastructure supports rural electrification, it also occupies a portion of farmland and sometimes causes inconvenience, crop damage, or safety risks to farmers.
Over the years, farmers’ associations have raised concerns about:
- Loss of productive land due to pole or transformer installation.
- Safety hazards during monsoon seasons.
- Difficulty in operating tractors and harvesting equipment near poles.
- Lack of compensation for using their private land for public utility purposes.
Taking these issues into consideration, the Karnataka Energy Department and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Department jointly proposed a subsidy assistance plan. Under this scheme, farmers with electric poles or transformers on their property can receive ₹5,000 as compensation.
Purpose of the Subsidy Scheme
The main objective of this subsidy program is to provide partial financial relief to landowners whose property is being used for public electricity infrastructure.
Key Goals Include:
- Compensation for land usage: To acknowledge the fact that a part of private agricultural land is occupied by electric poles or transformers.
- Encouragement of cooperation: To motivate farmers to support government electrification projects without resistance.
- Reduction of disputes: To minimize conflicts between farmers and electricity boards regarding compensation for land use.
- Financial assistance: To provide an annual or one-time financial relief of ₹5,000 to affected landowners.
This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare while maintaining smooth development of rural power infrastructure.
Who is Eligible for the ₹5,000 Subsidy?
To avail of this financial assistance, certain eligibility criteria have been defined by the government. These conditions ensure that only genuine landowners or farmers receive the subsidy.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Ownership of Land: The applicant must be the legal owner of the land where the electric pole or transformer is installed.
- Type of Land: The land must be agricultural or private property registered in the land records.
- Presence of Electrical Infrastructure: There should be an electric pole, transformer, or power line structure located within the boundary of the applicant’s land.
- Verification by Authorities: The presence of the pole/transformer must be verified by the local power supply company (BESCOM, HESCOM, etc.) or Gram Panchayat.
- Active Land Use: Preference may be given to farmers actively cultivating their land rather than unused plots.
- No Previous Compensation: The applicant should not have already received any compensation or payment for the same infrastructure.
Areas Covered Under This Scheme
The ₹5,000 subsidy scheme is applicable across Karnataka, and it covers all regions under the jurisdiction of the state’s major electricity boards:
- BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company)
- HESCOM (Hubballi Electricity Supply Company)
- MESCOM (Mangalore Electricity Supply Company)
- GESCOM (Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company)
- CESC (Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation)
Each company will coordinate with the local Taluk office, Gram Panchayat, and Land Records Department to identify eligible beneficiaries.
Amount of Assistance and Payment Structure
The government has fixed a lump sum amount of ₹5,000 per electric pole or transformer located on private land.
Key Details:
- Subsidy Amount: ₹5,000 per unit (either pole or transformer).
- Type of Payment: One-time financial assistance or as per annual review.
- Mode of Payment: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiary’s bank account linked with Aadhaar.
- Beneficiary Limit: Depending on verification, multiple poles on one land may result in multiple benefits, up to a certain limit.
This direct payment method ensures transparency and eliminates middlemen, ensuring that the subsidy reaches the rightful landowner.
Documents Required for Application
To apply for this scheme, eligible farmers must prepare the following documents:
| Document Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Land ownership document (RTC / Pahani) | Proof of ownership of land |
| Aadhaar card | Identity verification |
| Bank passbook | For Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Electricity board certificate | Verification of pole/transformer presence |
| Photograph of land and pole | Visual proof of the structure |
| Farmer ID / Ration card | Additional verification (optional) |
| Application form | Official form to apply for subsidy |
All documents must be submitted to the concerned Gram Panchayat, Electricity Office, or Taluk office as instructed.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s a detailed step-by-step process for applying for the ₹5,000 subsidy:
Step 1: Identify Eligibility
Check if your land has an electric pole or transformer belonging to any of the state electricity supply companies.
Step 2: Visit the Nearest Electricity Office
Visit your local BESCOM, HESCOM, or respective ESCOM office and inform the officials about your intention to apply for compensation.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
Obtain the official “Electric Pole Compensation Application Form” or download it from the electricity board’s official website (if available).
Step 4: Attach Required Documents
Attach all the necessary documents including:
- Land ownership proof
- Aadhaar
- Bank details
- Photographs
Step 5: Verification by Officials
Officials from the electricity department or Gram Panchayat will physically verify your land to confirm the existence of the pole or transformer.
Step 6: Approval and Sanction
Once verified, the application is forwarded to the Taluk office or Energy Department for approval.
Step 7: Payment Release
After approval, the subsidy amount of ₹5,000 will be credited directly to the applicant’s bank account through DBT.
Benefits of the Scheme
The ₹5,000 subsidy scheme provides several direct and indirect benefits to the rural community:
Economic Benefits
- Provides financial relief to farmers whose land area is occupied by electric poles or transformers.
- Acts as compensation for loss of cultivation space or yield.
- Helps small and marginal farmers maintain their livelihood balance.
Social Benefits
- Improves trust and cooperation between the government and rural communities.
- Reduces conflicts and complaints against the electricity department.
- Promotes rural electrification projects without delay.
Administrative Benefits
- Strengthens the government’s welfare outreach.
- Ensures transparency through DBT payment methods.
- Encourages accurate land mapping and infrastructure auditing.
How to Check Your Eligibility Online
Farmers can check their eligibility or subsidy status online through the official websites of respective ESCOMs.
Online Verification Steps:
- Visit the official website of your electricity supply company (for example, https://bescom.karnataka.gov.in).
- Go to the “Farmer Assistance / Compensation” section.
- Enter your RR Number or land survey number.
- Check if your property is listed under the eligible category for compensation.
- If eligible, follow the online application or print version process.
Alternatively, you can approach your Gram Panchayat office for assistance in verifying your eligibility manually.
Important Guidelines for Applicants
- The subsidy is applicable only once per electric pole or transformer.
- Applicants must ensure that their bank account is linked with Aadhaar for DBT transfer.
- The land ownership must be clear and updated in the records; joint ownership cases require consent of all owners.
- False claims or submission of incorrect information may lead to rejection or legal action.
- Applicants should keep acknowledgement receipts for future reference.
Role of the Electricity Department
The Karnataka State Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) play a vital role in:
- Identifying all electrical installations on private land.
- Preparing an official list of affected landowners.
- Conducting physical verification with the support of village officials.
- Coordinating with district administration for fund disbursement.
- Ensuring timely and transparent payments.
Their collaboration with the Revenue Department and Panchayat Raj institutions ensures smooth functioning of the scheme.
Government’s Vision Behind the Initiative
The government’s long-term vision is to balance infrastructure expansion with farmers’ welfare.
Through this subsidy, authorities aim to:
- Strengthen rural electrification while protecting farmers’ rights.
- Build trust and participation in public development programs.
- Demonstrate social responsibility and fairness in the usage of private land.
This model may also become a template for other states to adopt similar compensation programs for rural landowners affected by public utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who can apply for this ₹5,000 subsidy?
Any landowner or farmer who has an electric pole or transformer on their private agricultural land can apply.
Q2: Can tenants or leaseholders apply?
Generally, only landowners can apply, but in some cases, long-term leaseholders with valid agreements may be considered.
Q3: How many times can one claim this benefit?
Only once per installation. Multiple poles may allow multiple claims if verified individually.
Q4: What if the pole belongs to a private company?
The subsidy applies only to installations by state electricity boards, not private telecom or solar companies.
Q5: Is this subsidy taxable?
No, since this is considered government compensation, it is generally not taxable income.
Q6: How long does it take to receive the payment?
Once verified, payments are usually made within 30 to 60 days.
Q7: Whom should I contact for help?
Visit your nearest BESCOM/HESCOM office or Gram Panchayat office for local assistance.
Helpline and Contact Details
For more information or grievance redressal, farmers can contact their respective electricity supply company offices:
- BESCOM Helpline: 1912 / 080-22873333
- HESCOM Helpline: 1912 / 0836-2318297
- GESCOM Helpline: 1912 / 08472-220993
- MESCOM Helpline: 1912 / 0824-2499999
- CESC Mysuru Helpline: 1912 / 0821-2340000
Email support and online complaint forms are also available on the respective websites.
Future Expansion and Policy Impact
This ₹5,000 subsidy initiative represents a progressive policy shift towards acknowledging the impact of public infrastructure on private lands.
Possible Future Developments:
- Annual compensation review based on inflation or damage reports.
- Inclusion of other installations like telephone poles or fiber optic towers.
- Integration with digital land records for automatic compensation mapping.
- Introduction of insurance coverage for damages caused by transformer leaks or electrical faults.
Such steps would further enhance transparency, fairness, and accountability in public infrastructure development.
The ₹5,000 electric pole subsidy is a small but significant step towards ensuring justice and fairness for Karnataka’s farmers.
By recognizing that even a single electric pole or transformer can reduce cultivable area, the government is showing empathy and support for rural citizens who contribute to the state’s power network.
This scheme:
- Compensates farmers for land usage.
- Encourages cooperation with development projects.
- Promotes transparency through direct benefit transfer.
- Strengthens the bond between rural citizens and public authorities.
Farmers are encouraged to verify their eligibility and apply for this benefit through their nearest Gram Panchayat or Electricity Board Office.
Quick Summary Table
| Scheme Name | Electric Pole/Transformer Compensation Scheme |
|---|---|
| Subsidy Amount | ₹5,000 per electric pole/transformer |
| Beneficiaries | Landowners and farmers with electric poles on land |
| Authority | Karnataka Energy Department & Electricity Boards |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Application Offices | Local ESCOM or Gram Panchayat |
| Documents Needed | Land proof, Aadhaar, Bank passbook, Photo proof |
| Purpose | Compensation for land used by public electrical infrastructure |