Karnataka's PRC push: DK Shivakumar's counter-move to tackle SIR?

With the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process sparking political debate across the country, the Karnataka government's decision to introduce a new operational framework for issuing Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) has taken on political significance.

Although the government's official order does not directly mention the SIR, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's remarks at a press conference on Monday (June 29) have sparked fresh debate over the intent behind the move.

Also read: BJP urges EC to halt Karnataka SEC’s ‘parallel’ SIR exercise in Bengaluru

According to the government, there is a possibility that voters could lose their names from the electoral rolls if they are unable to produce the required documents during the SIR process. The new system is therefore aimed at ensuring that citizens receive Permanent Residence Certificates quickly so they can submit them as supporting documents wherever necessary.

Government order comes amid concerns over SIR

In an order issued on Monday, the Revenue Department unveiled a comprehensive operational framework to bring the issuance of Permanent Residence Certificates and other citizen services under a fully digital and time-bound system.

It has directed the setting up of facilitation centres at the gram panchayat and urban ward levels, with applications to be accepted through Seva Sindhu, Atal Janasnehi Kendras, Grama One, Karnataka One and Bengaluru One centres. The government has directed Deputy Commissioners and local body officials to implement the system within seven days.

Also read: Karnataka Congress chief BK Hariprasad sparks row with 'Gandhi or Godse' remark

The official order states that its primary objectives are digital governance, simplification of citizen services and time-bound delivery.

What is the eligibility to obtain Permanent Residence Certificate?

• Birth in Karnataka

• Residing in Karnataka for at least 10 years by the applicant, a parent or a legal guardian

• Study in Karnataka for at least 10 academic years up to Class 12 or its equivalent

• Permanent residence of the applicant’s parents, legal guardian or spouse in Karnataka

• Ownership, possession or lawful occupation of residential property in Karnataka

• Entries in electoral rolls, Aadhaar, ration cards or other government records

• Government or public service in Karnataka for at least 7 years by the applicant or either parent

• Marriage to a person ordinarily residing in Karnataka who holds, or is eligible to hold, a Permanent Residence Certificate

• Any other reliable documentary, electronic or oral evidence establishing Karnataka as the applicant’s principal and permanent place of residence

What did Shivakumar say?

Shivakumar said many people could face difficulties during the SIR process if they do not possess the required documents.

He said that if voters fail to produce the necessary documents while filling out the enumeration form, they risk having their names removed from the electoral rolls. In such cases, citizens can protect their voting rights by obtaining a Permanent Residence Certificate and submitting it to the authorities concerned. Following this statement, the government's new operational framework for issuing Permanent Residence Certificates has assumed greater political significance.

“Whoever wants a residential certificate will get it both online and offline,” he said.

Responding to a question about people who do not own a house or lack proof of residence, he said, "If you live in a rented house, there must be documentary proof. If you have an Aadhaar card, your electoral roll number for that constituency, or any of the identity documents mentioned earlier, local authorities have been authorised to issue the certificate. Everyone is eligible to obtain it. If they belong to our state, they will have these documents. They will be issued the certificate. We will undertake awareness campaigns among the public. It is our responsibility."

49,320 facilitation centres to be set up

"Orders have been issued authorising Deputy Tahsildars to issue Permanent Residence Certificates through the Revenue Department. Facilitation centres are being established in every gram panchayat and urban ward. A total of 49,320 centres will be set up across the state. Citizens will also be able to download the required documents. Those who have provided their mobile numbers while obtaining caste certificates can download them through WhatsApp," he said.

"The government has decided to provide door-to-door assistance to 5.5 crore people. I appeal to every citizen to protect their voting rights. While the Election Commission is creating awareness through advertisements, the government too has decided to provide the necessary information to the public," he added.

‘We will not allow a situation like West Bengal’

Asked what measures had been taken to prevent the deletion of voters' names as allegedly happened in West Bengal, he said, "This is precisely why we are treating this issue seriously. We are creating awareness among the people and taking precautionary measures. Facilitation centres have been established, and advertisements are being issued to disseminate information. This is a crucial phase, and officials have been trained to ensure that people do not lose their voting rights."

Asked whether it would be possible to reach 5.5 crore voters within a month, he said, "We are already providing Anna Bhagya benefits to 4.5 crore poor people. We have records of 5.5 crore people who have received caste certificates. There are others who have not yet obtained them. If people assume that their vote is secure and remain complacent, they risk losing their voting rights. Every individual—including me, DK Shivakumar—must fill out and submit the enumeration form. Only then will I retain my voting rights. Otherwise, even I will not have that right."

Focus on integrating government records

Applications will be verified using multiple government databases, including family information, residence records, educational records and electoral rolls. The government believes this will reduce the need for citizens to submit the same documents repeatedly. However, the order makes it clear that the final certificate can be issued only after the concerned authorities independently verify the applicant's eligibility.

A counter-strategy by the government?

Political observers see the order as the Karnataka government's administrative response to the SIR process. The SIR exercise, which began in Bihar, has become a subject of nationwide debate. The Congress and several other Opposition parties have expressed concern that eligible voters could lose their names from the electoral rolls because of a lack of documentation. Against this backdrop, sources said the Karnataka government has introduced this mechanism to ensure citizens can quickly obtain Permanent Residence Certificates and use them as supporting documents wherever required.

(This article was originally published in The Federal Karnataka)