Shivakumar Launches Doorstep Delivery of Residence and Caste Certificates

D.K. Shivakumar, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, launched a door-to-door initiative on July 20, 2026, to provide free caste and Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) to nearly 4.85 crore families. The program aims to ensure eligible voters maintain their rights during the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, as the PRC is one of 11 recognized identity documents.

To facilitate the drive, the government launched a dedicated website, a mobile application, and a WhatsApp service to track deliveries via Aadhaar. The Revenue Department delegated additional powers to Deputy Tahsildars to expedite the issuance of PRCs. To qualify for a PRC, applicants must meet one of 11 criteria, including birth in Karnataka, 10 years of continuous residence, property ownership, or seven years of government service within the state.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara stated that the criteria are intended to prevent non-residents and illegal migrants from accessing state benefits. However, the initiative faced immediate criticism from the BJP and JD(S). Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok alleged the government is politicizing voter verification and attempting to protect Bangladeshi migrants to create a vote bank, claiming the move crosses a constitutional line. Shivakumar denied these allegations, asserting the exercise is a non-partisan duty following official guidelines.