PANJIM: The members of Gomantak Bhandari Samaj on Monday called on Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant seeking his immediate intervention into increasing number of cases, wherein migrants are obtaining OBC certificate by changing their surnames.
The delegation led by its president Ashok Naik and former BJP MLA Dayanand Mandrekar also demanded simplification of OBC certificate renewal process.
Addressing media persons post meeting, Naik said that the delegation has raised several issues concerning the community, with specific focus on instances where migrants are changing their names and obtaining OBC certificates.
“Such cases are on rise in Bardez, Salcete and Mormugao where there is large inflow of migrants. We have requested CM to investigate into such instances and take necessary action,” Naik said adding ‘CM has also been requested to issue directions to the authorities that whenever such name change cases come up, Gomantak Bhandari Samaj executive committee be consulted’.
Further speaking, Mandrekar also pointed out how people from several general categories, opt for bogus OBC certificates for the purpose of contesting elections at the grass root level. “There are several instances as such. But by the time, Court decides on the election petition, the person completes his or her term and then goes for even fresh election”.
Former minister said that the election petition needs to be decided within three months.
The Samaj member Dattaprasad Naik said the delegation has also sought simplification in the renewal process of OBC certificate.
“In a bid to renew the certificate, the person has to go though the entire process all over again which is quite lengthy and hectic,” he said.
