Chandigarh: Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today announced that the Punjab Government will launch a statewide awareness and facilitation campaign to remove misconceptions regarding Backward Class (BC) Certificates and ensure that every eligible citizen receives the benefits and entitlements guaranteed under the prescribed rules.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan here today, the Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Government has noticed that, at several places, eligible applicants have been facing difficulties in obtaining BC Certificates due to incorrect interpretation of the prescribed guidelines.
Dr. Baljit Kaur clarified that eligibility for a BC Certificate is determined solely on the basis of the status of the applicant’s parents. The employment, income or social status of the applicant’s spouse has no bearing on eligibility. Likewise, the status of an uncle, aunt or any other relative cannot be taken into consideration while determining eligibility.
She further explained that applicants whose parents fall under the categories of constitutional functionaries, specified Class-I or Class-II officers, certain professionals, or the prescribed property or creamy layer criteria are not eligible for BC category benefits.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that meetings will be held with all Deputy Commissioners to ensure uniform implementation of the rules throughout the State. Besides, simple, easy-to-understand guidelines will be displayed at Sewa Kendras, Deputy Commissioners’ offices and all other certificate-issuing centres.
