Nearly 1.69 crore SC, ST and OBC certificates to be reviewed amid concerns over fake and irregular documents
The West Bengal government has launched a massive re-verification drive for all caste certificates issued since 2011 after concerns surfaced over alleged fake and improperly issued documents.
Officials said around 1.69 crore caste certificates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) were issued over the last 14 years, including a large number distributed through the government’s Duare Sarkar outreach programme.
District Authorities Asked to Scrutinise Certificates
Following the order, Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and district authorities across the state have been directed to examine and verify all caste certificates issued during this period.
The government is reportedly investigating cases where certificates may have been obtained using false information or through irregular procedures. Officials said any document found invalid during the verification process will be cancelled as per law.
Second-Generation Certificates Also Under Scanner
Authorities said the review will not be limited to original applicants alone. Second-generation caste certificates — issued on the basis of previously obtained documents — will also come under scrutiny.
The move is aimed at identifying fraudulent beneficiaries and tightening the verification system linked to reservation and welfare benefits.
Voter List Revision Data to Be Cross-Checked
Officials added that names removed during the recent Special Revision of the voter list will also be examined as part of the exercise.
Caste certificates linked to such individuals and their dependents may face cancellation if discrepancies or irregularities are found during verification.
Focus on Beneficiary Verification
The large-scale review comes at a time when documentation and beneficiary verification processes are facing increased scrutiny in the state, especially in schemes connected to reservation and welfare entitlements.
