Date:25/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/25/stories/2005042516010500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Caution urged in issue of ST certificates

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Officials issuing ST certificates have been asked to thoroughly enquire into the antecedents of persons seeking them in view of the increase in the number of false certificates in recent years.

The Commissioner of Tribal Welfare, Manmohan Singh, in a statement, said that pre-admission and pre-recruitment scrutiny of the caste certificates of candidates under ST quota in recent years have shown that various methods were used to circumvent the law.

He asked all the Collectors, RDOs, MROs, to strictly follow the procedure prescribed in the law. Pointing out that the burden of proof lies with the applicant, he said that all the benefits secured on the basis of the caste certificate would be withdrawn if it was found to be false. The diplomas and any qualification acquired by them would be cancelled and they will be discharged from service. They shall be punished with imprisonment from six months to two years.