Odisha makes self-declared caste, residential certificates legally valid

Bhubaneswar: Recruiting agencies in Odisha will  ask applicants to declare their caste (ST/SC) and resident status at the time of application. A release issued by Odisha government stated after selection only, applicants will be called upon to produce caste and residential certificates for scrutiny and final selection.

“Educational Institutions shall allow applicants to declare their caste (ST/SC) and resident status. After provisional selection, applicants shall be called upon to produce certificates like caste (ST/SC) and resident for scrutiny and final admission,” the release read. While issuing school leaving certificate, students will be given caste (SC/ST) certificates as well.

Similarly, no department shall ask for solvency certificate. IT returns and bank guarantee can be submitted for get licences for storage agents, grant or renewal of excise license and quarry lease.

The release further said legal heir certificate will not be required for payment of government dues. On death of a government employee pension/family pension, gratuity and leave salary can be paid to the legal heirs based on the entry in the service book.

The government has waived off user fees for any miscellaneous certificate.

Someone can get any certificate from anywhere without visiting the Tahsil Office.

This apart, the government launched a mobile app for payment land revenue.