KOLKATA, May 17: The Government of West Bengal has ordered a large-scale audit and re-verification of nearly 1.69 crore caste certificates issued since 2011 under the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories.
Officials said the move is aimed at identifying fake or improperly issued certificates and ensuring that reservation and welfare benefits reach genuine beneficiaries. The verification process will be conducted by the respective authorities that originally issued the certificates.
According to officials, the exercise forms part of a broader effort by the state government to strengthen transparency in the certification system and prevent misuse of quota-related benefits under various government schemes.
The authorities are expected to scrutinise records and verify documents submitted by certificate holders during the review process. Further action may be taken in cases where irregularities or fraudulent claims are detected.