Kolkata: The West Bengal government has decided to re-verify all SC, ST, and OBC caste certificates issued in the state since 2011, in a move aimed at ensuring authenticity and addressing concerns over alleged irregularities.

According to an official communication from the Backward Classes Welfare Department to all District Magistrates dated May 14, nearly 1.69 crore caste certificates have been issued in West Bengal since 2011. Of these, around 47.8 lakh certificates were issued through the “Duare Sarkar” outreach camps during the previous Trinamool Congress administration. This includes 32.51 lakh SC certificates, 6.65 lakh ST certificates, and 8.64 lakh OBC certificates.

The letter stated that, considering the importance and sensitivity of the matter and following directions issued in a high-level review meeting, all such certificates will be re-verified by the respective issuing authorities in accordance with prevailing rules and statutory provisions.

Newly appointed Minister for Tribal Development and Backward Classes Kshudiram Tudu has raised serious concerns regarding the issuance of allegedly fake and irregular caste certificates during the previous regime. He claimed that many individuals benefited from government schemes using such certificates and added that action would be taken against officials responsible for any irregularities.

The issue of caste certificate distribution has long been a sensitive topic in regions such as Jangalmahal, including Purulia, Jhargram, Bankura, and Paschim Medinipur. It has also sparked political debate over inclusion in the OBC list during the previous administration.

Political observers believe this large-scale re-verification exercise could have significant administrative and political implications in the state, especially ahead of future policy decisions and electoral developments.