In a timely and decisive intervention ahead of the new academic session, the Odisha Government has directed all District Magistrates to ensure the expedited issuance of crucial certificates required by students for admission into educational institutions.
In an official letter, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, emphasised that large numbers of students are currently applying for domicile, income, and caste certificates. Any delay in processing these documents often creates last-minute hurdles for both students and their families.
The circular mandates strict adherence to timelines prescribed under the Odisha Right to Public Services Act (ORTPSA), 2012.
Key directives include:
- Immediate decision and delivery of certificates via the e-District Portal (edistrict.odisha.gov.in).
- Prompt issuance of residence and income certificates based on the applicant’s declaration, eliminating unnecessary delays.
- Field verification for caste certificates to be completed immediately at the village level, with the process not to exceed three days at the Revenue Inspector level.
- Minimising the requirement of physical documents by relying on existing government records and digital databases wherever possible.
To ensure accountability, the government has put in place a robust monitoring mechanism. The Deputy Collector will personally review applications daily, while the Additional Collector will conduct tehsil-level reviews every seven days. District Collectors will hold fortnightly reviews, and the Revenue Commissioner will monitor progress monthly.
The letter warns that “any negligence or undue delay” will invite strict disciplinary action against erring officials. It further stresses that “no student should be deprived of enrolment due to delays at the Tehsil Office.”
This proactive step is expected to significantly ease the admission season burden for thousands of students across the state, particularly those from rural and marginalised communities who rely on caste and income certificates for reservation and scholarship benefits.
