Issue certificates in transparent manner, SC panel tells state

Chandigarh, August 26

The state Scheduled Castes Commission today issued strict directions to the state government to work out the modalities for a transparent, expeditious and economical process for the issuance of Scheduled Caste certificates to the citizens.

Rajesh Bagha, Chairman of the State Commission for Scheduled Castes, said in a statement that he has taken strong notice of reports of cumbersome process, tardy working of Suwidha Kendras and exorbitant fee being charged by Suwidha Kendras for issuance of SC certificates.

He has directed the Social Welfare Department to submit a plan for ensuring smooth delivery of SC certificates.

He asked the department to work out a non-intrusive, non-discretionary process, which should be poor and rural population friendly.

He said that it was imperative for the Punjab Government to ensure SC certificates to every eligible SC citizen of the state and it was matter of great concern that Punjab, a state with the highest population of Scheduled Castes, has not evolved any expeditious process till date.

Issuing directions to the Governance Reforms Department to work out an online system for application for SC certificates, Bagha said that it was the duty of the department to ensure an online system for all SC welfare schemes. He also asked the department to submit the complete roadmap within a month. — TNS