Karnataka Govt Rolls Out Home Delivery Service For Caste, Residence Certificates

The Karnataka government on Monday launched a statewide doorstep delivery programme for free caste certificates and permanent residence certificates, aiming to make essential identity documents more accessible to citizens. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated the initiative at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru and also launched a dedicated website and WhatsApp service to support applications and distribution.

The launch comes amid political controversy, with the BJP and JD(S) alleging that the state government is using the exercise for political purposes in connection with voter verification. Responding to the criticism, Chief Minister Shivakumar said the programme was being implemented in a non-partisan manner and in accordance with Election Commission guidelines. He said providing necessary certificates to residents was the responsibility of the government.

Addressing the gathering, Shivakumar said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that no citizen is deprived of identity documents and democratic rights. He stated that a permanent residence certificate is among the 11 documents recognised by the Election Commission for inclusion in electoral rolls. The Chief Minister described the programme as a historic step, claiming Karnataka is the first state to provide free doorstep delivery of permanent residence certificates to nearly 4.85 crore families.

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Under the initiative, citizens can apply for certificates through online platforms, Seva Kendras and facilitation centres established at the hobli level. Forms will also be distributed through Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who will assist residents in completing and submitting applications. The government said the system is designed to reduce the need for people to visit government offices repeatedly for essential documents.

Shivakumar said identity documents play an important role in protecting citizens’ rights and enabling participation in the democratic process. He said access to official identity records provides dignity and empowerment, while also helping people avail government services more efficiently. He urged citizens to preserve their permanent residence certificates carefully after receiving them.

The Chief Minister called the programme a major administrative reform aimed at bringing government services closer to people. He appreciated the role of village accountants and Revenue Department officials involved in implementing the initiative. Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, along with senior government officials including Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Manish Moudgil and Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department Rajendra Kumar Kataria, attended the launch event.

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