Govt to increase number of caste certificate validation committees

Mumbai, July 24 (UNI) The Maharashtra government today told the Legislative Assembly that it will increase the number of caste certificate validation committees from the present 13 to 15.

Social Justice Minister Chandrakant Handore said six divisional commissioners, six additional commissioners (revenue) and three additional district collectors in cities, with higher population like Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, will be appointed.

He said the pre-condition of submitting documentary evidence for caste certificate will be waived off for persons if their father's family tree with blood relation (father, brother, sister) possess validated caste certificates issued by appropriate authority.

The Minister was replying to a calling attention notice by Advocate Chandrakant Chajed (Congress) and others.

Mr Chhajed said college admissions were getting hampered as students were not able to get their certificates attested because their caste certificate validation is pending with the committee.

Till June 20, 1.53 lakh cases were pending before the committee, he said, adding, due to this, the future of students, government employees, elected representatives hangs in balance.

UNI