Hyderabad: Nearly six lakh applications have been filed for Family Register Certificates in Telangana as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls enters a crucial phase, with about 2.8 lakh applications still under process, according to data available with the state authorities.Exclusive data obtained by TOI shows that of the approximately 5.97 lakh applications filed for the certificates, around 3.15 lakh have been approved and about 2,100 rejected, while nearly 2.8 lakh applications remain under process. The figures come at a time when the enumeration phase of the SIR is drawing to a close in the state.The Family Register Certificate assumes significance in the SIR exercise because the Family Register, prepared by state or local authorities, is among the documents that voters can produce during verification if they receive a notice from election officials. The certificate, however, is subject to verification and is not conclusive proof of eligibility by itself.The Telangana govt introduced the Family Register and Family Register Certificate in July, with the database being maintained electronically using information from the Food Security Card database. The certificate records family details, including names, relationships, age, date of birth, gender, Aadhaar details and residential address.The timing of the move has made the certificate a political issue as well. The Telangana BJP has questioned the introduction of the document during the SIR exercise, alleging that the Congress govt was attempting to protect its vote base. The BJP has maintained that the SIR exercise should be allowed to identify and remove ineligible names from electoral rolls.The Congress govt, however, has maintained that the Family Register Certificate is an authenticated record of family composition and is intended to make documentation easier for citizens who may otherwise face difficulties during the verification process. The govt has said the certificate provides another official record and does not replace the Election Commission’s scrutiny.The controversy has also brought attention to the role of the state govt in an exercise being conducted by the Election Commission. While the Family Register is maintained by state authorities, the final decision on inclusion or exclusion of a name from the electoral roll rests with election authorities after verification.The large number of applications indicates the demand for an official family record at a time when voters are seeking documents to establish their eligibility. Of the total applications, approximately 53% have been approved, while nearly 47% are still being processed. Rejections account for less than 1% of the applications.
