I, Sri Mitan Chandra Tudu, State President of West Bengal Scheduled Tribe Welfare Association (WBSTWA). On behalf of the Association, I am writing few lines about the organisation.

It is well known to all that our Association, WBSTWA is a registered, non-political, non-religious, non-profitable,  membership based and voluntary organisation. Basically, during the time of COVID 19 pandemic situation, this organisation was initiated and those who built up this organisation are viz. Mr. Balakram Saren, Mr. Mitan ChandraTudu, Mr. Parsal Kisku, Mr. Som Murmu. Mr. Paresh Nath Murmu, Mr. Shib Shankar Hansda, Mr. Pankaj Kumar Saren, Mr. Dhananjay Murmu, Mr. Durgadas Saren, Mr. Sanjoy Kumar Tudu and Mr. Rakesh Hansda.

 

This organisation is working to establish the constitutional rights of the indigenous and tribal people. Hence our slogan is ‘Fight for ST Reservations’  As per the constitutional provisions, we have 7.5% reserved seats in all India basis and 6% reserved seats in the State of West Bengal. Our fight to secure this constitutional rights started from November 2020. Initially we were a bit skeptical about forming this organisation, but later on through discussions and mutual understanding it was decided that the organisation will be run keeping our only agenda in the forefront. As such, while working for the protection of  constitutionally reserved rights, we saw that fake ST certificate is a major problem. So if fake certificates can’t be removed from the society then it is not possible to protect our reserved seats. The issue of fake ST certificate is a problem for many days, but now the number has increased due to several reasons. I personally feel that the following reasons are creating hinderance to our fight for ST Reservations to genuine beneficiary.

 

1. Some people are purchasing ST certificates from the market like ‘ Muri Murki ‘ for a few bucks which are all fake, fake papers, fake SDO’s signature who can not be seen on the official website.
2. Some people are intentionally obtaining certificates from SDO office with wrong information who are most dangerous.
3. Some officials are providing certificates in exchange of money who don’t think any documents are required.
4. We have seen Govt. policy being simplified on issuance of caste certificates, which has helped rapidly to increase the number of fake ST certificate holders.

 

So, it is understood that fake ST certificate is a big problem for all of us. In order to deal with this problem the cooperation of people at all level is needed. If we don’t fight back now, then our future generations will be deprived of their fundamental rights. School and College educations, jobs will be taken away by the fake certificate holders everywhere. Therefore, it is not too late and we have to fight it out hand in hand.

I have already visited all Govt.offices and sent letters. We have also submitted Memorandum to various administrative authorities in the form of deputations from time to time but in that way we haven’t got the desired results. Yet, we have been able to cancell more than 500 fake certificates and we have also filed around seven cases in the High Court. So, you can understand that we are trying in all directions, so that fake ST certificates can be eradicated from the society and constitutional rights of adivasi people can be established .

 

Thanks with Johar!

Mitan Chandra Tudu

President,

West Bengal Scheduled Tribe Welfare Association (WBSTWA). Central Unit