Karnataka bars holders of other states' PRCs from seeking permanent resident certificate

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has clarified that individuals who are permanent residents of another state or hold a permanent residence certificate (PRC), or an equivalent document issued elsewhere, will not be eligible to obtain a PRC in Karnataka.

The Revenue Department has issued a detailed standard operating procedure (SoP) for the issuance of PRCs as officials prepare for doorstep delivery of the certificates. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Deputy CM G Parameshwara launched the service on Monday in view of the ongoing enumeration under the election commission of India’s (ECI) special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The PRC is among the 11 documents accepted by the ECI as proof of ordinary residence for inclusion in electoral rolls. Deputy tahsildars have been authorised to issue the certificates.


The SoP lays down broad eligibility criteria for applicants. A person may qualify if they were born in Karnataka, are residing in the state after marriage, or have lived in Karnataka for at least 10 years. Applicants may also be eligible if either parent has served as a government or public sector employee in the state for at least seven years, or if they are married to a person eligible for a Karnataka PRC.

Citizens can submit applications at Nadakacheris, Grama One, Karnataka One, Bangalore One, Common Service Centres (CSCs), Bapuji Seva Kendras (BSKs), or through the online portal.

The government has made Aadhaar-based e-KYC mandatory for identity verification. Applicants must also submit self-declaration on affidavit stating that they are not permanent residents of any other state and do not possess a PRC or an equivalent certificate issued elsewhere.

The notification clarifies that failure to satisfy any one of the prescribed criteria will not automatically disqualify an applicant. Revenue authorities have been empowered to decide on applications based on the overall evidence submitted. Where documentary proof is inadequate, officials may rely on local inquiries and other credible evidence after recording reasons. Every decision granting or rejecting a PRC must be issued as a reasoned speaking order.

The ECI has extended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls until August 8. Draft electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on August 17, while the final rolls will be released on October 19.