Karnataka launches door to door drive to deliver 4.85 crore caste certificates

The Karnataka government on Monday launched a door-to-door drive to deliver caste certificates and empowered deputy tahsildars to issue permanent residence certificates (PRCs). The initiative is aimed at helping citizens verify their identities during the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.

Both the caste certificates and PRCs are included in the ECI’s list of documents used to verify a voter’s identity during the notice phase of the revision.

According to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, the state government has already classified and shared 4.85 crore digital caste certificates with deputy commissioners. District administrations will print these certificates and deliver them directly to beneficiaries.

To track the distribution, the government has developed a mobile application to record beneficiaries’ Aadhaar details, mobile numbers, and acknowledgements upon delivery. Citizens can also download their caste certificates for free from a designated government website using their Aadhaar, ration card, or certificate RD numbers.

Shivakumar stated that approximately 57 lakh caste certificates are already linked to mobile numbers, with download links sent to beneficiaries via SMS and WhatsApp. Printed copies will also be available for free at government assistance centres established at the village cluster level.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara explained that the free distribution of these certificates will help citizens establish their permanent residency status in Karnataka and access various government services.

To qualify for a PRC, applicants must either be born in Karnataka or meet specific residency criteria. This includes residing in the state for at least 10 years, completing II PUC or an equivalent qualification in Karnataka, and studying in a recognised state institution. Alternatively, those who have served for at least seven years in government or local bodies, or whose parent or spouse has lived in Karnataka for 10 years, are also eligible. Applicants must also own or occupy immovable property in the state and have their names on the electoral roll.

The opposition BJP has criticized the initiative, alleging that the drive is an illegal ploy by the Congress government to protect Bangladeshi migrants and build a vote bank.

The door-to-door verification by booth-level officers is currently underway. The draft electoral roll is scheduled for publication on August 17, after which claims and objections will be resolved between August 17 and October 15. The final electoral roll will be published on October 19.