Caste certificates for school students will now be issued through schools alongside the board exam results, according to a decision made by the state government.
Every year, after the board examination results are released, district administration offices experience an increase in the number of applicants seeking caste certificates for further admissions to schools and colleges. This period coincides with the harsh summer, requiring the administration to arrange for water, tents, fans, and other facilities to serve the applicants. In some places, queues start forming as early as the morning.
The state government has noticed this hardship and decided to adopt a new method for issuing caste certificates through schools. Instead of going to government offices, students in classes 10 and 12 will receive their caste certificates from their schools along with their board exam results.
The state government has instructed schools to submit proposals for Socially and Educationally Backward Certificates, including all required details, by the end of July this year. Relevant offices are required to prepare the caste certificates by August 31, as directed by the Chief Minister’s office. The Additional Chief Secretary of the Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Government of Gujarat, will review and monitor the implementation of this order.
Recently, the government has observed that schools are progressing slowly, which could delay the issuance of certificates. The state government has urged schools to expedite the process to ensure timely issuance of SEBC certificates to students.