Karnataka Govt to Issue 4.8 Crore Free Caste Certificates to Help Voters Restore Names in SIR Drive

Bengaluru, August 2: To facilitate public participation in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter rolls, the Karnataka government has taken a significant step. Following the launch of a free caste certificate distribution campaign, the Revenue Department is preparing to distribute more than 4.8 crore caste certificates across the state at no cost to citizens.

Circular to All Deputy Commissioners

To complete this large-scale drive swiftly, Revenue Department Commissioner Meena Nagaraj C.N. has issued a circular to all Deputy Commissioners in the state. PDF copies of over 4.8 crore caste certificates available with the Atal Ji Jana Snehi Nirdeshanalayas (citizen-friendly service directorates) will be sorted district-, taluk-, and village-wise and shared with the respective authorities. Deputy Commissioners will then print and distribute the certificates through authorised institutions at the taluk or hobli level. The printing cost per set has been capped at a maximum of ₹2.25. Download links for the certificates will also be sent directly to beneficiaries' mobile numbers via SMS and WhatsApp.

Mobile App to Ensure Transparency

A caste certificate and a permanent residency certificate are among the 11 key documents approved by the Election Commission as valid proof for the SIR process. To ensure transparency in document delivery, the government has developed a dedicated mobile app. When officials visit homes to hand over the certificates, the delivery must be confirmed in the app using an OTP sent to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked or registered mobile number.

Along with the caste certificate, each packet will carry the Chief Minister's awareness message printed in colour on one side, and a list of all documents required for the SIR process printed on the reverse.

Over 1 Crore Karnataka Voters Flagged for Deletion

The backdrop to this drive is significant. The Election Commission has marked 1,05,12,457 voters in Karnataka under the ASDDO category — Absent, Shifted, Death, Duplicate, and Other Reasons — flagging them for potential deletion from the rolls. Affected voters have the opportunity to file objections and get their names restored before the deadline.

Nationally, draft voter lists have now been published for ten states and union territories. Of the 10.89 crore voters covered so far, 1.13 crore names have been deleted on grounds of death, permanent relocation, or duplicate registrations, while 9.75 crore names have been retained. Andhra Pradesh alone saw 44.89 lakh deletions, reducing its voter count from 4.16 crore to 3.71 crore, while Haryana saw 33.83 lakh names removed.