BENGALURU/BELAGAVI:
Multiple communities in Karnataka have been fraudulently obtaining SC and ST benefits through the use of counterfeit caste certificates, according to a report presented in the Karnataka Assembly.
The report highlights that the practice of untouchability still persists in the state. The rise in fake caste certificates can be attributed to the submission of reports by revenue officials and staff without conducting thorough surveys in certain areas of the state.
The initial and interim report from the SC/ST Welfare Committee, which was presented in the Assembly, identifies 12 communities, including Brahmins, Veerashaiva-Lingayats, and Kurubas, who possess fake caste certificates. Additionally, the report reveals that sub-sects of Lingayats such as Banajigas, as well as Kaniyars, Mudaliyars, Dombidasa, and certain individuals from the Kuruba community, who fall under the 2A category of reservation for Other Backward Castes (OBC), have obtained caste certificates under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category by falsely classifying themselves as Gond, Rajagond, Kadukuruba, or Jenukuraba.
The report also exposes the Maaleru sect of Brahmins, who have been acquiring ST certificates by falsely identifying themselves as Maleru, an ST group.
Previously, criminal cases were registered against individuals who obtained fake caste certificates. However, the report reveals that issuing authorities are now also facing legal action, with 175 tahsildars having FIRs filed against them for issuing counterfeit caste certificates.
The report concludes by stating that untouchability still persists in many parts of the state, without providing further details.
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