AP govt sets up one-man Commission to check fake SC certificates

Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to set up a one-man commission to examine several issues pertaining to the SC communities.

It may be recalled that the YSRC-led government has been keen on checking the issuing of fake caste certificates as it deprives genuine SC people of receiving government benefits.

Mr J.C. Sharma, a retired IAS official has been appointed as the head of the one-man Commission. Within six months the Commission will make recommendations to the state government.

The commission will explore the inclusion of Beda, Budga Jangam communities under Scheduled Castes category, issuance of ST certificates to Bentho Oriya community in the Srikakulam district. It will also explore measures on how to prevent people from non-SC communities to get false caste certificates. The Commission will also study on measures that should be taken to cancel the bogus SC certificates obtained by non-SC people.

Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government had warned that it would initiation disciplinary action against government officials for issuing false and bogus caste certificates without proper verification or background checks of the applicants.

Mr Sharma will also explore measures to be taken regarding the filing of numerous writ petitions with the courts by non-SC students and employees. It may be noted that non-SC students and employees have filed petitions seeking continuation of their studies or services on the strength of interim orders. This is depriving genuine SC students and employees of their legitimate rights.

The AP government, in the exercise of powers conferred under Section-11 of the Commission of Inquiry Act-1952, has appointed Mr J.C. Sharma as the head of the one-man Commission.