The Assam Government has directed all District Commissioners to submit detailed information regarding the issuance of Scheduled Caste (SC) certificates and complaints related to such certificates following a request from a Central inquiry commission examining issues concerning SC status and religious conversion.
In a communication issued by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, the state government instructed district administrations to undertake an immediate review of official records and furnish the required information within ten days.
The directive came in response to a request from the Inquiry Commission constituted by the Government of India under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, and headed by former Chief Justice of India Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. The commission was established through a notification issued on October 6, 2022, to examine the eligibility for Scheduled Caste status of individuals who claim historical links with Scheduled Castes but have subsequently converted to religions not covered under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, as amended from time to time.
According to the communication, the commission is in the final stages of preparing its report and recommendations for submission to the Central Government and has sought state-wise information from all States and Union Territories.
District Commissioners have been asked to provide details of Scheduled Caste certificates issued by competent authorities in the prescribed Proforma-I. They have also been directed to furnish information regarding complaints received in connection with the issuance of SC certificates through Proforma-II.
The department stressed that all information must be accurately compiled, thoroughly verified and supported by official records. Districts where no complaints relating to SC certificates have been received have been instructed to submit a Nil Report. Authorities have also been directed to provide suitable remarks wherever information is unavailable for any category.
The communication further advised district administrations to designate a responsible officer, if necessary, to coordinate the collection and timely submission of the information.
The letter was issued by the Secretary to the Government of Assam, Social Justice and Empowerment Department, with a copy forwarded to the Office of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for information.
