the goan I network
PANAJI
The next time you walk into the offices of the mamlatdars and deputy collectors, your experience could be pleasantly different from the pillar-to-post wild goose chase it generally has been in the past.
For, in a bid to cut the red-tape and delays, the Goa government has eliminated the need for local inquiries by ‘talathis’ and directed mamlatdars and deputy collectors to issue the certificates merely on the basis of self-attested documents provided by applicants.
Also, in cases where documents are not available, a self-declaration establishing the claim would suffice to issue certificates sought, according to the ‘office memorandum’ issued to all mamlatdars and deputy collectors by Under Secretary (Revenue-I) Sudin A Natu in August.
These instructions hold good for applications to secure income, residence, mediclaim and divergence certificates. Also, in the case of caste certificates, the officers will rely on self-declarations to establish their ancestors had migrated to Goa after 1954.
There is a rider though. Post issuance of the certificates, discreet inquiries will be conducted and criminal cases filed if claims are found false.
Should you lie in your self-declaration or self-attest documents which are not genuine to support your application, you will be booked and face criminal prosecution under the Indian Penal Code.
Natu’s Office Memorandum which was issued on August 31, also cautions the revenue officials to make sure that they specify on the certificates that they have been issued “solely based” on documents and declarations given by the applicants.
The certificates should also state that the applicant shall be solely responsible for any false declaration and face penal action, Natu said.
“The Deputy Collectors and mamlatdars issuing the certificates may however conduct “post-facto” inquiries to verify the claims” Natu said, adding that the respective applicants should be proceeded against whenever these inquiries establish that their claims are false.
THE NEW CHANGE
No need for local inquiries by ‘talathis’
Mamlatdars, Dy Collectors to issue certificates on the basis of self-attested documents
Instructions hold good for applications income, residence, mediclaim and divergence certificates
