Karnataka to Begin Issuing Permanent Residence Certificates from July 21
State government says the certificates will help verify voters, while the BJP raises objections and the Election Commission's position remains unclear.
The Karnataka government will start issuing Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) from July 21 to eligible residents as part of its effort to help establish the genuineness of voters during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.
According to the state government, the certificates will be available through nearly 7,000 service centres across Karnataka, including Atalji Janasnehi Kendras and Bapuji Kendras. Residents can also apply online through the Seva Sindhu portal.
The move has drawn criticism from the Opposition BJP. At the same time, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not clearly stated whether the certificates will be accepted during the claims and objections stage of the voter list revision process.
An ECI official told The Times of India that the Commission would accept Permanent Residence Certificates if they are legally valid. However, the official also said that “no executive order can be considered in the case of the PRC,” without further explaining what that would mean.
The Karnataka government had announced the introduction of the certificates in late June. To qualify, applicants must satisfy one or more eligibility conditions.
These include being born in Karnataka, living in the state for at least 10 years, studying in Karnataka up to Class 12, having a parent, guardian or spouse residing in the state, owning or occupying a residential property, or being listed in official records such as the electoral roll, Aadhaar, ration card or revenue documents.
Other eligible categories include people or their parents who have served in the government or a public institution for at least seven years, those married to a Karnataka resident, or individuals who can provide other documentary, electronic or oral evidence showing that Karnataka is their primary place of residence.
The Election Commission has extended the door to door voter enumeration exercise until August 17. This will be followed by the claims and objections period from August 17 to September 16, during which notices may be issued to voters whose documents require verification.