Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar launched a citizen-centric revenue initiative in July 2026: free doorstep delivery of Caste Certificates and Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) across the state.
📌 Key Highlights of the Announcement
 Doorstep Delivery of Certificates
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4.85 Crore Digital Certificates: The Revenue Department compiled digital caste certificates for over 4.85 crore beneficiaries from its existing database.
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Breakdown by Category: Includes roughly 2.63 crore SC/ST certificates, 1.06 crore for OBC categories (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B), and 86 lakh for OBC Category 1.
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Physical Printouts: District and taluk officials print these documents and deliver them directly to beneficiaries’ homes at no charge.
 Digital & WhatsApp Access
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57+ Lakh Direct Links: Download links for caste certificates have already been linked to mobile numbers via WhatsApp and SMS using the document’s RD number, Aadhaar, or ration card details.
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Verification App: Field officials use a mobile app to verify identity via Aadhaar and log digital acknowledgments upon physical delivery.
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Hobli Assistance Centres: Citizens can also get free physical copies printed at local state facilitation centres (Nada Kacheris and Gram One).
 Delegation of Powers for PRCs
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Faster Processing: To cut bureaucratic delays, the state government delegated the authority to issue PRCs to Deputy Tahsildars alongside Tahsildars.
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Support for Electoral Revision: The timing aligns with the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, in which PRCs and Caste Certificates serve as valid proofs of residence and identity.
âš¡ Political Context & Debate
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Government Position: Chief Minister Shivakumar emphasized that bringing essential revenue documents directly to residents protects voting rights and eliminates the need for citizens to repeatedly visit government offices.
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Opposition Response: BJP opposition leaders questioned the constitutional basis of issuing PRCs at a state level during an active electoral revision drive. In response, state officials maintained that the procedure complies strictly with legal framework guidelines.
📄 How to Access Your Caste Certificate Online
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Visit the official Karnataka Revenue/Seva Sindhu portal.
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Enter your RD Number, Aadhaar Number, or Ration Card Number.
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Verify via the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and download the PDF free of cost.
Watch D.K. Shivakumar’s certificate announcement video to see the full media briefing and official launch from Vidhana Soudha.