Order for statewide re-verification
Kolkata: The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal has ordered a re-examination of all caste certificates issued in the state since 2011, following allegations that many were granted irregularly during the 15-year Trinamool Congress rule led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Scale of certificates issued
According to a notification from the state Backward Classes Welfare Department, a total of 1.69 crore caste certificates were issued from 2011 till now. This includes about 1 crore Scheduled Caste certificates, 21 lakh Scheduled Tribe certificates and 48 lakh certificates for Other Backward Classes.
Camps and follow-on certificates
The department said 47.8 lakh certificates were issued through district-level camps held under the “Duare Sarkar” programme. It also noted that certificates for the next generation were issued based on documents granted during this period.
Action against irregularities
The government has instructed officials to re-verify all certificates as per existing legal provisions. If any certificate is found to have been issued improperly, action must be taken under the West Bengal Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, 1994 and related rules, the order said.
Accountability and voter-roll link
The notification warned that any laxity in the re-verification process would make the concerned officer responsible and liable for action. It also said caste certificates issued to those removed from the voter list during the recent Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and to their dependents, would be reviewed and cancelled.
