The Telangana government is actively considering the introduction of a Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) system, modeled after Karnataka’s existing framework, as the state continues its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The proposal has gained momentum with government officials exploring the feasibility of implementing such a system to address concerns of residents facing difficulties in voter registration. A cabinet sub-committee is expected to be formed to conduct a detailed study of the proposal and its implementation mechanism.
Government adviser Mohammed Ali Shabbir confirmed that the proposal is under active consideration after he submitted a representation to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. According to Shabbir Ali, the proposed PRC could provide a crucial solution for residents who are unable to trace their names or their family members’ names in the 2002 electoral rolls. The certificate would serve as an official document establishing permanent residence in the state, potentially resolving documentation issues for thousands of residents.
Explaining the Karnataka model, Shabbir Ali outlined that the certificate is issued only after thorough enquiry and verification of the applicant’s permanent residence status. The verification process may include multiple forms of documentation such as birth records, long-term residence proof, educational records, parents’ or spouse’s residence status, property records, electoral records, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, government service records, and other reliable evidence. In cases where documentary proof is insufficient, local enquiries may also be conducted to establish residence credentials.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi has also demanded that the state government issue a Permanent Residence Certificate or Family Register Certificate to electors of Telangana. The Hyderabad MP met Telangana Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju along with Faheem Qureshi, President and Vice Chairman of the Telangana Minority Residential Educational Institutions Society (TMREIS), to press for this demand during the ongoing SIR under Article 162.
Owaisi emphasized through social media posts that if Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accepts the demand, it will significantly benefit poor people in Telangana by helping them get their names included in the final SIR list. The implementation of such a system would save residents from many difficulties and inconveniences associated with proving their residence status and securing their voting rights. The move is seen as particularly beneficial for marginalized communities who often lack comprehensive documentation.
The Hyderabad MP revealed that he had already raised this issue with Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and is seeking an appointment with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to discuss the matter further. Owaisi acknowledged that the Chief Minister has a busy schedule but expressed hope for a meeting to address this critical issue affecting numerous residents across the state.
