SIR in Karnataka: CM says disenfranchised citizens may risk losing government benefits

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday urged eligible citizens to take part in the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral rolls, warning that those who do not retain their voting rights may face difficulties in accessing government welfare benefits in the future.

Launching the SIR exercise by filling up his census form at his Sadashivanagar residence, Mr. Shivakumar said some states have already started linking welfare benefits with voter status and Karnataka could also move in that direction.

“All citizens must protect their voting rights. If they don’t, it can be difficult to get government benefits. In some states, benefits are extended only to eligible voters, while disenfranchised are excluded. A similar system could be created here,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the welfare schemes of the state government are meant for the people of Karnataka. “Our guarantee schemes are meant for the people of Karnataka. Why should the benefits meant for Karnataka be extended to people from other states? Our intention is that these benefits should go only to the people of that state,” he said.

With his wife Usha

Mr. Shivakumar and his wife Usha Shivakumar filled the census forms in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru South and election officials, formally launching the statewide exercise.

He said the SIR process provided voters with an opportunity to update their personal details, including registered mobile number, name and photograph. If the voter’s mobile number has changed since getting the voter ID card, it could be updated during the process and then a one-time password (OTP) would be sent to the modified number.

To simplify the exercise, the Chief Minister said that one member of the household can fill and sign the census forms on behalf of the entire family.

Digital literacy

In response to concerns about digital literacy, he acknowledged that many people may not be comfortable using an online platform.

“I am not using the app myself and have taken others to help. Those who are not able to use the online facility can get the physical form from the booth level officer and submit it offline,” he said.

Request all the people of Karnataka to fill the SIR enumeration form and keep their voter list: Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday (June 30, 2026) launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka by filling and submitting his enumeration form at his Sadashivanagar residence while urging citizens across the state to participate in the exercise and protect their voting rights. | Video Credit: The Hindu

What Karnataka voters need to know about SIR: The CEO explains

Whether the Special Intensive Review (SIR) in Karnataka will throw up “logical inconsistencies” will be known only after the draft electoral rolls are released, Karnataka’s Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbu Kumar told The Hindu, dismissing fears of arbitrary erasure and asserting that the aim of the exercise is to identify and include all eligible voters. | Video Credit: The Hindu

Published – 30 Jun 2026 13:42 IST