DKS govt starts doorstep delivery service for Permanent Residence Certificate in Karnataka; BJP flags Constitutional violation
As part of its doorstep governance initiative, the DKS government has developed a dedicated mobile application through which beneficiaries can download their certificates using their Aadhaar number and registered mobile number
The Karnataka government on Monday announced a doorstep delivery service for Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) at a time when the Election Commission is conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the free doorstep
The Karnataka government on Monday announced a doorstep delivery service for Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) at a time when the Election Commission is conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the free doorstep
The Karnataka government on Monday announced a doorstep delivery service for Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) at a time when the Election Commission is conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the free doorstep
The Karnataka government on Monday announced a doorstep delivery service for Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) at a time when the Election Commission is conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the free doorstep service would include the issuance of caste certificates. Deputy Tahsildars have now been empowered to issue Permanent Residence Certificates to speed up the process.
Launching the initiative at Vidhana Soudha along with Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwara, the chief minister said, “This is not merely about distributing certificates. It is about protecting the identity and voice of every citizen in a democracy. Our objective is to ensure that government services reach the people instead of people having to run from one government office to another.”
As part of its doorstep governance initiative, the government has developed a dedicated mobile application through which beneficiaries can download their certificates using their Aadhaar number and registered mobile number. Users will also receive an acknowledgement after the certificates are delivered. Caste certificates can also be downloaded free of cost through the government’s website using the certificate’s RD number, ration card number or Aadhaar number. The same service will also be available at government assistance centres.
The BJP alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka had crossed “a dangerous constitutional line,” raising suspicion over the timing of the initiative.
Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R. Ashoka said, “Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has today launched the doorstep distribution of Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs). This is not a routine administrative exercise or reform. It raises serious constitutional, legal and national security concerns with implications that extend far beyond Karnataka.”
The chief minister said around 57 lakh caste certificates had already been linked to beneficiaries’ mobile numbers, and download links had been sent through WhatsApp and SMS, enabling them to access the documents digitally without any cost.
“The government itself will come to your doorstep. This is our guarantee,” he said.
Stating that the government’s foremost priority is to ensure that even the most marginalised citizens receive services with dignity, ease and without discrimination or delay, Shivakumar said empowering citizens through efficient and transparent governance was essential for Karnataka’s progress.
Ashoka further said, “The timing makes this even more disturbing. While the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is underway across the country, Karnataka has rushed to introduce a statewide PRC programme. Why the haste? Who benefits from it? Why was such an exercise considered necessary at this sensitive juncture? The people of India deserve answers.”
He added that “citizenship, foreigners and immigration are matters entrusted to the Union under the constitutional scheme.”
Responding to a question from the media after launching the service, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said PRC applicants must either have been born in Karnataka or satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions.
He said applicants should have resided in the state for at least 10 years, completed Second PUC or an equivalent qualification in Karnataka, and studied in a recognised educational institution in the state. Eligibility also extends to those who have served for at least seven years in the government or local bodies.
Applicants may also qualify if their father, mother, husband or wife has resided in Karnataka for at least 10 years. In addition, applicants should own or lawfully occupy immovable property in Karnataka, have their names included in the electoral rolls and, in the case of those married to a resident of Karnataka, be residing in the state.
The rollout comes amid an ongoing political battle over the SIR of electoral rolls. While the Congress has alleged that the Election Commission’s revision exercise, backed by the Centre could disenfranchise genuine voters, the BJP has accused the Congress government of using the PRC initiative to facilitate the inclusion of illegal voters in the electoral rolls.