Minister of Social Welfare Rajendra Pal Gautam on Thursday asked officials of the Divisional Commissioner’s Office to digitise the process of verification of caste certificates.
The direction came after the Minister conducted a surprise inspection at the Divisional Commissioner’s Office on Thursday to look into the cases of pendency in issuing caste certificates. This problem was faced mostly by students who require the caste certificates to ensure admission in schools and colleges.
He said "Many citizens are facing the problem of delay in getting these caste certificates issued. After inspection, I have found out that the staff is not performing up to their full capacity and is delaying the process.”
Upon inspection, the minister found out that the officers were delaying the process and he personally verified the record room data and found that records which could have been disposed of in the matter of 3-4 days were kept there for 15 to 20 days, office of social welfare minister said in a statement.
“I have issued strict orders that the staff should be sensitised regarding this matter. Not more than 2-3 days shall be taken in disposing of these cases. If anyone cannot follow these orders, then strict action will be initiated against them by the department," he said.
Gautam also suggested that the process of verification of caste certificates should be digitised so that the time taken to send out hard copies to the respective district magistrate is reduced. He also added that the staff should be sensitised about this process through regular training.
The minister also issued a whip to all the officials to streamline and expedite the process or face action.