Governor is pleased to introduce digitally signed Caste Certificates through e-signature in respect of issuing authorities in rest of the Sub-divisions of West Bengal.
While applying for caste certificates some candidates are taking unfair means by suppression/ misrepresentation of facts or by altering name/ surname to their advantage.
A Member/Pradhan of a Gram Panchayat, Member/Sabhapati of Panchayat Samity, Member of Zilla Parishad, Commissioner of Municipality, Councillor/Chairman/Mayor of Municipal Corporation, Member of State Legislature, Member of Parliament, and any Group ‘A’ Officer of State Government.
The procedure of issuing Caste Certificates to the adopted sons and daughters of different persons belonging to SC/ST category can be applied mutatis mutandis in case of granting of OBC Certificates.
Stipulated time limit of providing the service of Issuance of Caste Certificates to SC/ST/OBC is 4 (four) weeks from the date of submission of application.
The district authorities have been requested to adopt camp approach in all the schools, colleges and educational institutions for issuance of caste certificates so that no student is deprived of scholarship for want of caste certificate.
In terms of Rule 7A of the West Bengal Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Identification) Rules, 1995, the Backward Classes welfare Officer, Kolkata will act as recommending authority in respect of the issuance of Caste certificates for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes in Kolkata.
Caste Certificates in respect of Kolkata may be issued by the District Welfare Officer, Kolkata and ex-officio Joint Director, Backward Classes Welfare.
The Grievance Cell will meet the queries and clarifications for early issuance of caste certificates to the applicants who are willing to file nominations in the ensuing General Election to Panchayats.
Time frame has been reduced from eight weeks to four weeks by amending Rule 7D (12) of the West Bengal Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Identification) Rules 1995.