21 July 2026

Karnataka launches doorstep delivery of caste and residence certificates during electoral revision

This state initiative serves as a useful practical example of leveraging e-governance for doorstep service delivery and facilitating voter inclusion during electoral revision.

Notes

• Karnataka initiated doorstep delivery of Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) and free caste certificates during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
• PRCs are one of 11 valid documents accepted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for voter verification under the SIR exercise.
• While Tahsildars serve as the primary competent authority to issue PRCs, Deputy Tahsildars have also been authorized to issue them to expedite the process.
• A dedicated mobile application was developed to capture beneficiary details and track delivery acknowledgements.
• The initiative aims to minimize citizen visits to government offices and prevent eligible voters from losing their voting rights during electoral revision.

Questions

1. Doorstep delivery of citizen-centric administrative services represents a shift towards proactive governance. Discuss how leverage of technology and administrative decentralisation enhances accessibility for public services. 150 words
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2. Ensuring hassle-free documentation is critical to safeguarding the fundamental right to vote and strengthening democratic inclusion. In light of administrative innovations in public service delivery, examine the role of e-governance in facilitating voter verification and electoral roll management. 250 words
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Prelims

1. In the context of local revenue administration in India, who among the following is traditionally the primary competent authority to issue Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs)?

   1. A Tahsildar
   2. B District Magistrate
   3. C Block Development Officer
   4. D Chief Electoral Officer

2. Regarding administrative measures during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, consider the role of Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs). Which of the following statements is accurate based on standard procedures?

   1. A PRCs are one of the recognized documents accepted for voter verification.
   2. B PRCs can only be issued directly by the State Election Commissioner.
   3. C PRCs are mandatory for all registered citizens during every ordinary election.
   4. D PRCs cannot be delivered electronically or through mobile tracking systems.

Syllabus

• Governance GS2
• Representation of People’s Act: salient features GS2

Topics

• E-governance
• Local Governance

Sources

• Karnataka starts door delivery of caste and residence certificates amid SIR