Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi met with the Chief Secretary to push for the issuance of Permanent Residence Certificates (PRC) during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Citing Karnataka's successful model, he urged the state government to adopt similar measures to protect genuine voters, especially the poor.

Key Takeaways

  • Owaisi demands PRCs to ensure genuine voters are included in the SIR roll.
  • Karnataka issues PRCs under the 2011 Sakala Services Act, providing a viable template.
  • Telangana already holds multiple databases that can support the issuance of PRCs.

Asaduddin Owaisi, the Hyderabad parliamentarian and president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), met Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju on July 10, 2026, reiterating his demand that the Telangana government issue Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) or Family Register Certificates for voters undergoing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Why PRCs Matter in the SIR Process

The SIR is a nationwide exercise aimed at cleaning up electoral rolls before the next general elections. Owaisi argued that without a reliable proof of residence, many genuine voters—particularly among the economically vulnerable—risk being omitted, leading to disenfranchisement. By granting PRCs, the state can swiftly validate residency, ensuring that the final roll reflects the true electorate.

Karnataka’s Precedent

Owaisi highlighted Karnataka’s practice of issuing PRCs through a government order under the Karnataka Sakala Services Act, 2011. The act mandates speedy delivery of citizen services, and the PRC has become a trusted document for various administrative purposes, including voter verification. He suggested that Telangana replicate this model to avoid bureaucratic delays and to protect the voting rights of its poorest citizens.

Constitutional and Legal Backing

Referring to Article 162 of the Constitution, Owaisi emphasized that state governments possess the authority to issue such certificates if they deem it necessary for public welfare. He appealed directly to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to endorse the proposal, asserting that it would alleviate hardship for marginalized communities and streamline the SIR exercise.

Existing Data Infrastructure in Telangana

Telangana already maintains a robust set of databases: the Samagra Kutumba Survey, the 2024‑2025 Socio‑Economic and Caste Surveys, land records under the Bhu Bharati Act, 2025, food security card information from the Civil Supplies Department, municipal tax registers, and school/board enrollment records. These data points can be cross‑referenced to authenticate residency without creating new bureaucratic layers.

Potential Impact and Future Outlook

If the state adopts the PRC issuance framework, it could dramatically improve the accuracy of the electoral roll, reduce litigation over voter exclusion, and reinforce public confidence in the democratic process. Analysts warn that failure to act may lead to legal challenges and heightened political tension ahead of upcoming elections.