Simplifying and easing the issue of caste certificates, the Chhattisgarh government has authorized local bodies, Nagar Panchayat, Nagar Palika Parishads and Gram Sabhas to testify a person's caste if the applicant has no evidence to show.
According to a circular issued by the General Administration Department, all the Collectors have been instructed to direct the competent authorities to strictly follow the guidelines issued in this regard.
If people don’t have documentary proof as per the provisions in the Chhattisgarh Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Class (OBC) Rule 2013, then the local bodies will be authorized to testify the caste, the order said.
The competent authority will then issue a caste certificate. The local bodies will also be the verifying authority for bonafide residence certificate, the order added.