Non-issuance of Caste certificates put tribal students’ future at stake in Odisha’s Ganjam

In a concerning development, the future of dozens of children is hanging in the balance due to the lack of issuance of caste certificates in Ganjam's Dharakote block. The students are deprived of educational and other basic government facilities due to the absence of a valid caste certificate.

Without these certificates, the students in several villages of Dharakote block are unable to pursue educational avenues and are barred from accessing essential government benefits. This apart, these certificates are also essential for educational scholarships both in school and college level.

Career Barriers for Youth

Without a caste certificate, young students face exclusion from school opportunities and state-funded schemes designed for their benefit.

Historically, until 2022, the villagers received tribal caste certificates under the designation 'Kirata Sabar’, a group acknowledged as a tribal community. However, this classification has been revised and is no longer officially recognised, leading to the dismissal of new requests, as the tehsil holds no procedure for this specific tribal name.

“We are being deprived of scholarship in colleges. Lack of caste certificate also makes it hard to avail other government benefits. Because we are landless, they are not giving us caste certificate even after showing Sarpanch’s letter,” alleged Pintu Nayak, a villager.

Likewise, another villager Shankar Nayak alleged, “I had applied for my younger son’s caste certificate. While he was given the certificate, my elder son is being deprived now. They are not even telling us the reason of the rejection. Now, I also have to apply for my daughter. How will my children study if they are not given the caste certificates?”

Administrative Action:

When contacted, Sanakhemundi Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Ramesh Jena confirmed that deliberations are planned at an administrative level to address the issue. Concurrently, the Dharakote Tehsildar has promised that certificates will be granted following community verification.

“I’m aware of the problems being faced by the people. I have directed the Tehsildar and RI to take necessary steps in this regard,” MLA Jena said.