Tamil Nadu Voter List Revision: Free Residence Certificates Issued via Manual Process
In a major relief to voters requiring verification during the Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls, the Revenue Department has ordered that residence certificates be issued free of cost through a manual process, without collecting fees at e-Sevai centres.
The special voter list revision exercise in Tamil Nadu began on November 4, with field verification completed in the first phase. The draft electoral roll was published on November 19.
Why Verification Is Required
During the enumeration process, applicants were asked to provide details of their constituency during the 2002 and 2005 voter list revisions. Voters who could not furnish these details were still included in the draft list. However, the Election Commission of India has instructed officials to collect supporting documents from such voters for verification.
Accordingly, district election officers have begun issuing notices asking voters to submit the required documents.
Free Residence Certificate Facility
As many voters are required to submit a residence certificate, the Tamil Nadu government has introduced a special concession. As per a circular issued by Revenue Secretary Amudha to all district collectors:
- Online application via e-Sevai centres (which usually costs ₹60) is not mandatory
- Voters can directly approach Zonal Deputy Tahsildars or Taluk Headquarters Deputy Tahsildars
- No fee should be collected for residence certificates issued through this manual process
- Certificates should be issued quickly to walk-in applicants
Validity of the Concession
This fee-free manual issuance of residence certificates will remain in effect until January 25, ensuring timely compliance for voters undergoing verification.
This move is expected to benefit thousands of voters across Tamil Nadu by simplifying documentation requirements and reducing financial burden during the electoral roll revision process.
