Kolkata: The Backward Classes Welfare Department (BCW) has engaged 23 senior officials to expedite clearance of the applications made by the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe people and see that they do not get stuck due to red-tape.
These officials will look into the files up to the block levels and take action if required against those charged with dereliction of duties.
It may be mentioned that the District Magistrates of South 24-Parganas, Hooghly, Jhargram, West Midnapore, North Dinajpur and West Burdwan have already issued show-cause notices to six inspectors for dereliction of duties. It may be mentioned that in the administrative review meetings held in East Burdwan and Hooghly which were held recently, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had instructed senior officials to clear the SC/ST applications.
Following her instructions, Rajib Banerjee, the state minister for BCW department, held a series of meetings with the senior officials of the department and prepared a blueprint to issue the caste certificates. He also asked the officials to ensure timely completion of the project taken up by the department for the Backward Classes.
In the past three weeks, over 90,000 caste certificates have been issued. Along with this, another 40,000 caste certificates have been issued through 1,400 camps.
The BCW department has started toll-free number 1800-5727730 to lodge complaints or views. In addition to this, they can either WhatsApp or SMS at 91-8582956555. A special cell has been set up to look into the matter.