Bengaluru, Jun 29 (PTI) Ahead of the SIR of electoral roll, the Karnataka government on Monday issued comprehensive guidelines for the issuance of Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs).
It also notified an operational framework to facilitate their time-bound delivery through digital and decentralised service channels across the state.
The Revenue Department said the new framework is intended to establish a uniform, transparent and legally sustainable mechanism for certifying permanent residence, while integrating the service with the Karnataka Sakala Services Act, 2011, and existing digital governance platforms.
“The PRC shall constitute proof of permanent residence in the state of Karnataka,” the government order said.
It added that the framework
is intended to provide a uniform mechanism for certifying permanent residence wherever it is prescribed under applicable laws, government orders, notifications or scheme guidelines.
Under the guidelines, a PRC may be issued if the competent authority is satisfied, after enquiry and verification, that the applicant is a genuine and permanent resident of Karnataka.
The order lists several factors that may be considered while determining eligibility. These are– birth in Karnataka, ordinary residence in the state for at least 10 years, studying in recognised educational institutions in Karnataka for at least 10 academic years up to Class XII or equivalent, residence of parents or spouse, ownership or lawful occupation of residential property, entries in government records such as electoral rolls, Aadhaar or ration cards, government or public service in Karnataka for at least seven years, marriage to an eligible resident, and any other reliable documentary, electronic or oral evidence establishing Karnataka as the principal and permanent place of residence.
It clarified that these factors are illustrative and not exhaustive, and that the absence of any one criterion shall not automatically render an applicant ineligible.
Every decision granting or refusing a certificate must be a reasoned speaking order, it said.
Deputy Tahsildars, Tahsildars or other authorised officers will serve as issuing authorities, while appeals will lie before the Assistant Commissioner within 30 days and revision petitions before the Deputy Commissioner within 60 days, the order said.
The government also provided for cancellation of certificates obtained through fraud, suppression of material facts, misrepresentation or forged documents, after giving the holder an opportunity to be heard.
It warned that furnishing false information or fabricated documents would invite prosecution and other action under applicable laws.
Separately, the operational framework mandates the establishment of Help Desk-cum-Facilitation Counters in every Gram Panchayat and every ward office of urban local bodies.
These centres will be equipped with computers, internet connectivity, printing and scanning facilities to assist citizens in applying for PRCs and other government certificates.
Existing Atal Jana Snehi Kendras (Nadakacheris), Bengaluru One, Karnataka One, Grama One, Common Service Centres and other authorised centres will continue to facilitate applications.
Eligible applicants will also be able to submit applications online through the Seva Sindhu Portal, the Atal Jana Snehi Kendra portal and other notified portals.
The government said authenticated databases, including Kutumba, educational records, residence databases and electoral rolls, may be used to facilitate verification, minimise document submission and enable pre-filled online applications.
However, it stressed that the competent authority must independently satisfy itself about an applicant’s eligibility before issuing a certificate.
The framework directs all facilitation counters to become operational within seven days of the government order, with Deputy Commissioners responsible for monitoring implementation and ensuring compliance with Sakala timelines.
The Revenue Department has also been empowered to issue standard operating procedures, technical guidelines, digital workflows and additional operational instructions for implementation. PTI GMS SA
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-178275770462246819.webp)
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-178265002518691276.webp)
