Pb SC panel seeks transparent system for caste certificates

Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission today directed the state government to work out modalities for a transparent, expeditious and economical way to issue Scheduled Caste certificates.
Taking strong notice of reports on "cumbersome" process, "exorbitant" fee and "tardy" working of Suwidha Kendras for issuance of SC certificates, Commission chairman Rajesh Bagha asked the Social Welfare Department to submit a plan to ensure its smooth delivery.
Bagha asked the department to work out a non-intrusive, non-discretionary process, which should be friendly to the poor and rural population, an official release said.
It was imperative for Punjab Government to ensure that every eligible citizen gets SC certificates and it was matter of great concern that the state which has the highest SC population, has not evolved any expeditious process till date, he said.

The State SC Commission Chairman also directed the Governance Reforms Department to work out an online system for application for SC certificates, and said it was the duty of the department to ensure online system for all SC welfare schemes.