The Karnataka government has established 11 eligibility conditions for issuing Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) in response to the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and discussions on residency. This announcement was made during the launch of a doorstep delivery service for caste certificates and PRCs at the Vidhana Soudha Conference Hall.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister Parameshwara inaugurated the initiative. Shivakumar mentioned that the PRC is among the 11 documents recognized by the Election Commission for electoral roll inclusion. Deputy CM Parameshwara emphasized that this move signifies a citizen-centric approach to governance, aiming to streamline document delivery to beneficiaries without multiple visits to government offices.
PRCs will be granted based on various factors such as birth in Karnataka, employment, marriage, and a minimum 10-year continuous residency in the state. Applicants meeting any of these criteria will qualify for the certificate. Additionally, the government has commenced the widespread distribution of caste certificates, with nearly 4.85 crore certificates identified for distribution.
The government has facilitated free download of certificates through the official website, WhatsApp, or collection from help centers. A grievance redressal mechanism has been put in place for applicants encountering difficulties, allowing appeals to be filed before designated officers. Parameshwara detailed the 11 eligibility conditions for PRCs, including birth in Karnataka, parental residency, education in the state, and possession of specific documents like Aadhaar or ration cards.
Nearly 4.8 crore certificates have already been dispatched to Deputy Commissioners, with doorstep delivery overseen by district administrations. Parameshwara stressed the significance of PRCs in the SIR exercise, aiding residents and addressing concerns regarding non-residents and illegal migrants accessing benefits meant for Karnataka residents. Those failing to meet the eligibility criteria will not be included in the PRC system.
