Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba receives SIR notice, officials withdraw it after realising error

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 8, 2026: The Election Commission issued a notice under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to Padma Shri awardee and social worker Harekala Hajabba, only to withdraw it later after officials realised the notice had been issued due to a discrepancy in his name.

Hajabba, a resident of Harekala in Ullal taluk, had received the notice in connection with the SIR verification process. His name appeared as ‘Hajabba’ in the 2002 electoral roll, while his recent official documents carry the name ‘Harekala Hajabba’. The mismatch was flagged during software-based verification, following which officials issued the notice asking him to appear at the gram panchayat office on September 11 with original documents.

After officials came to know that the notice had been issued to the Padma Shri awardee, they immediately visited his residence. They collected the required documents from Hajabba and apologised for the error.

Harekala Hajabba, who gained national and international recognition for his social service, built a school in his village using the money he earned by selling oranges by the roadside. In recognition of his contribution to education and society, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri.