Question : FAKE CASTE CERTIFICATES

(a) whether instances of students getting admission in educational institutions/universities on the basis of fake SC/ST/OBC certificates in the country have come to the notice of the Government during the last two years and the current year;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government has conducted any inquiry/investigation in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to curb the illegal admission in educational institutions/universities on the basis of fake caste certificates?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT [PROF. (DR.) RAM SHANKAR KATHERIA]

(a) to (c): While such instances have been reported, the data about instances/cases of using fake SC/ST/OBC certificates for getting admission in educational institutions benefits is not centrally maintained, since universities / educational institutions are created and controlled by both Central and State Governments. Moreover, issuance and verification of caste certificates is the responsibility of the concerned State Governments / Union Territory Administrations. Further, the Universities/educational institutions are autonomous entities, which have powers to lay down rules of admissions through ordinances. Therefore, the States/universities/ educational institutions have full powers to initiate action against the officials involved in such cases.

(d): Universities/educational institutions, being autonomous bodies, are competent to take necessary action in all academic and administrative matters. The Government has no role to play in the day to day governance of the universities/educational institutions. However, the Government of India has issued various circulars from time to time for proper issuance and verification of Caste Certificates. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has also circulated the instructions of the Supreme Court to streamline the procedure for the issuance of social status certificates (ST certificates), then scrutiny and their approval to all the State Governments/UT Administrations. The DoPT has also issued instructions to all the States/UTs regarding the verification of caste certificates by the District Authorities.