Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 21: A group of concerned citizens, including advocates Atish Mandrekar and Anish Bacal, has approached the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) challenging the state government’s move to make the 'Samaj certificate' compulsory for obtaining Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates.

Acting on their petition, the GHRC has issued notices to the Directorate of Social Welfare and the District Collectors of North and South Goa, directing them to file a response by July 14.

The complainants argue that making the Samaj certificate — issued by community organisations — a mandatory requirement is in contempt of a Supreme Court ruling and violates basic human rights. “Without this certificate, the online OBC application through goaonline.gov.in is not accepted,” they stated in their appeal.

They further alleged that several deputy collectors had received letters from Gomantak Bhandari Samaj urging the withdrawal of caste certificates, which they claim is unlawful.

Highlighting that repeated representations to authorities were ignored, the petitioners said the requirement imposes an unfair burden on citizens and obstructs access to rightful entitlements.

The GHRC’s intervention is now awaited as the matter continues to raise concerns over administrative overreach and citizens’ rights in the state.