Padma Shri Awardee Harekala Hajabba Gets SIR Notice Over Name Discrepancy
Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba has received a notice from the Election Commission regarding a name discrepancy in his electoral records. The literacy activist is required to present documentation to resolve the issue during the ongoing electoral roll revision in Karnataka.
Why it matters
It highlights the administrative challenges faced by citizens in maintaining consistent official documentation, even for nationally recognized figures.
Harekala Hajabba received India's fourth-highest civilian award Padma Shri in 2020 for his work in promoting education. Six years later, he received a notice from the Election Commission over discrepancies.The orange seller-turned-educationist received the EC notice on Monday as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka.The notice has been issued over a discrepancy in the name recorded in the electoral rolls.According to sources, the Padma Shri awardee's name was recorded as only 'Hajabba' in the old 2002 voter list, while his name in subsequent official records is 'Harekala Hajabba'.Hajabba currently has the name 'Harekala Hajabba' on his Aadhaar card, ration card, passport and new voter ID, as well as in documents related to his Padma Shri and other awards.The Election Commission's notice to the literacy activist through Anganwadi workers, who visited his residence and served it.
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