The government of West Bengal has made a crucial move towards streamlining the process for issuing Scheduled Caste (SC) certificates. In a recent assembly of the West Bengal Scheduled Castes Advisory Council, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, it was resolved to ease the requirements for applicants who cannot provide their parents’ caste certificates. Presently, applicants must present the caste certificates of two blood relatives, but the government plans to amend this to just one blood relative’s certificate.
This decision aims to alleviate the difficulties faced by individuals unable to secure the necessary documents due to uncooperative family members. The Chief Minister has instructed Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to swiftly execute this adjustment, ensuring that the advantages of SC certificates reach the rightful recipients without needless obstacles.
Alongside simplifying the documentation process, the government is adopting a strict approach against counterfeit SC certificates. More than 1,200 fraudulent certificates have already been annulled, and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Bulu Chik Baraik has highlighted the importance of preventing mistakes that could exclude rightful beneficiaries. This initiative will help preserve the credibility of the SC certificate issuance process and guarantee that benefits are accessed by those who are truly entitled.
The government has also acknowledged the significance of raising awareness among SC beneficiaries regarding government programs and services. To tackle this, awareness campaigns will be initiated to ensure SC beneficiaries receive accurate information about the advantages and services available to them. This will empower them to take advantage of these benefits and enhance their socio-economic status.
The West Bengal government has achieved noteworthy progress in the issuance of caste certificates over the last 14 years. More than 1.67 crore certificates have been granted, including nearly one crore for SC applicants. The period for processing caste certificate applications has also been halved, reducing the wait from eight weeks to four weeks, thus making the process more efficient and user-friendly.
In summary, the West Bengal government’s initiatives to simplify the SC certificate issuance process, eliminate fake certificates, and promote awareness among beneficiaries are praiseworthy. These actions will help guarantee that the advantages of SC certificates reach those they are intended for and support their socio-economic advancement. The government’s dedication to improving the lives of SC beneficiaries is clear from its accomplishments over the past 14 years, and these new measures are expected to further enhance the welfare of this community.
