I think if the govt of the day is serious with PVC distribution, why can't they declare 2 days public holidays to allow people collect their pvcs and possibly make it compulsory for all adults over 18years to have a pvc!!
That way people will rush to collect/register as the date could also be extended till 12th February!

Actually, that is the responsibility of state governments. I remember during the 2007 and even 2011 elections, certain state governments made it compulsory for civil servants to register for the elections.

Btw, certain state governments declared public holidays when these cards were first distributed.