Government Issues Guidelines for Issuance of Caste Certificates to Landless Applicants in Jammu and Kashmir

Government Issues Guidelines for Issuance of Caste Certificates to Landless Applicants in Jammu and Kashmir / Representative Image

VoM News Desk | September 24, 2023 | 01:17 PM IST | Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

Government Issues Guidelines for Issuance of Caste Certificates to Landless Applicants in Jammu and Kashmir

Clarifying Caste Certificate Eligibility

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued new guidelines for the issuance of caste certificates, addressing concerns raised by landless applicants. The guidelines were released by Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner/ Secretary to the Government, Social Welfare Department, in response to numerous representations regarding the denial of caste certificates to individuals without land ownership. It’s essential to note that existing rules and guidelines do not specify land ownership as a mandatory requirement for obtaining a caste certificate.

Documentation Required for Landless Applicants

The updated guidelines specify the documentation that landless applicants must provide to obtain a caste certificate. Landless individuals must submit:

1. An extract of the electoral roll.
2. Chullha-Bandi records.
3. Ration cards.

These documents should be presented to the relevant authority, typically the Tehsildar.

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Additional Documentation in Rural Areas

In rural areas, landless applicants can also produce a certificate from local Panchayati Raj representatives, such as Sarpanches, Block Development Council (BDC) or District Development Council (DDC) members, or chairpersons. This certificate should confirm that the applicant belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Other Backward Class (OBC) and that their ancestors have resided in the village.

Additional Documentation in Urban Areas

For urban areas, landless applicants can provide a certificate from the local Corporator representing the SC or OBC community. This certificate should attest that the applicant’s ancestors belong to the SC or OBC community and have been long-term residents of the area.

Camp Inquiry Process

Once the required documents are submitted, the Naib Tehsildar (Deputy Tehsildar) will conduct a camp inquiry. During this inquiry, statements from Lambardar, Chowkidar, and other local community members will be taken into account. The Naib Tehsildar will then compile a comprehensive inquiry report within the designated timeframe. This report will be submitted to the competent authority, the Tehsildar, who will oversee the issuance of the caste certificate.

These guidelines aim to streamline the process of obtaining caste certificates for landless individuals in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that eligibility is determined fairly and transparently.

VoM News Desk

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