IEP Chandigarh, August 2
Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, has issued instructions to all Deputy Commissioners of the state to provide income and asset certificates to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) for availing the benefits of reservation in Government civil posts and services, as well as admission to Central Educational Institutions. Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that it has come to her attention that income and property certificates are being obtained by many individuals in violation of the conditions set by the state government. She emphasized that the Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, takes the issuance of income and asset certificates by ineligible persons very seriously. The state government has decided that income and asset certificates should be issued by the certificate issuing authority only after a thorough preliminary investigation, in accordance with the provisions of the instructions dated 14-5-2019 and 15-7-2019. If any such case comes to their notice in the future, departmental/criminal action will be taken against the employee/person responsible for verifying the facts while issuing income and asset certificates. Moreover, criminal action will also be initiated against individuals who have obtained income and asset certificates based on false information. Cabinet Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, mentioned that detailed instructions have been issued regarding the issuance of income and asset certificates to avail the 10 percent reservation in civil posts and services for the economically weaker sections. These instructions are mentioned in the Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Department letter No: 1/16/2019-RC 1/116, dated 14-5-2019, and No: 1/16/2019-RC1/1523189/1, dated 15-7-2019. The Cabinet Minister has instructed all Deputy Commissioners of the state to ensure that the instructions regarding income and asset certificates are brought to the attention of the general public. She reiterated the state government’s commitment to the welfare of economically weaker sections.
