The West Bengal government has ordered a fresh verification of all SC, ST, and OBC certificates issued between 2011 and 2026 across the state.
The Backward Class Development Department initiated the move following allegations of irregularities and legal disputes surrounding caste-based reservation benefits.
Quick Glance
- Around 1.69 crore caste certificates will be re-examined across West Bengal.
- District Magistrates have been directed to identify fake beneficiaries and begin legal action.
- The review follows the 2024 Calcutta High Court verdict cancelling post-2010 OBC certificates.
- The issue has triggered major political debate involving the Trinamool Congress and BJP.
Bengal Govt Launches Statewide Verification Drive
The West Bengal government has started a major verification exercise involving caste certificates issued during the last 15 years. The review covers certificates distributed between 2011 and 2026 under the administrations led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
According to officials at Nabanna, the state secretariat in Kolkata, the Backward Class Development Department has instructed all District Magistrates to conduct district-level scrutiny of caste certificates issued under the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Class (OBC) categories.
Growing concerns regarding alleged misuse of reservation benefits and irregularities in the certification process prompted the decision.
District Magistrates Asked to Conduct Fresh Checks
State officials said District Magistrates have been directed to carry out detailed verification of all caste certificates issued during the review period. Authorities have also been instructed to identify individuals who allegedly obtained certificates using forged records or misleading information.
The government reportedly plans to initiate strict legal proceedings against those found guilty during the investigation process.
Sources in the administration stated that the objective of the exercise is to ensure that reservation-related privileges are accessed only by genuine beneficiaries.
Officials believe that loopholes in the earlier verification process may have enabled ineligible individuals to obtain reserved category certificates.
Over 1.69 Crore Certificates Under Scanner
Government data revealed that nearly 1.69 crore caste certificates were issued in West Bengal between 2011 and 2026. The massive verification process is expected to become one of the largest administrative exercises related to reservation documentation in the state.
Certificate Distribution Data
| Category | Number of Certificates Issued |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | Approximately 1 crore |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Around 21 lakh |
| Other Backward Class (OBC) | Nearly 48 lakh |
| Total | Around 1.69 crore |
Officials stated that all these certificates would now undergo re-verification at the district level.
Action Likely Against Officials Involved
The state administration has also warned government employees linked to the certification process. District authorities have been asked to identify officials who may have issued caste certificates improperly or in exchange for benefits.
Legal and departmental action may be initiated against those found responsible for irregularities.
The move is being viewed as an attempt to tighten oversight mechanisms related to reservation policies in the state.
Calcutta High Court Verdict Intensified Scrutiny
The latest development comes after a series of legal and administrative controversies related to OBC reservations in West Bengal.
In May 2024, a Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court invalidated all OBC certificates issued in the state after 2010. The Bench, comprising Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Rajasekhar Mantha, observed that the OBC lists prepared after 2010 lacked legal validity.
The court ruling significantly intensified political and administrative scrutiny surrounding caste-based reservation policies in the state.
Later, in December 2025, the National Commission for Backward Classes removed 35 castes from West Bengal from the central OBC list. Reports indicated that all the removed communities belonged to the Muslim population.
Political Debate Continues Over OBC Inclusion
The issue of OBC categorisation has remained politically sensitive in West Bengal for several years.
The Bharatiya Janata Party repeatedly accused the previous Trinamool Congress administration of modifying OBC inclusion norms to favour Muslim communities. The allegations became a major political issue during recent Assembly elections in the state.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress government maintained that reservation policies were implemented according to constitutional provisions and social welfare requirements.
Political observers believe the latest verification drive could further intensify debates surrounding reservation policies and caste-based benefits in the state.
Administrative Impact Expected Across West Bengal
Officials expect the verification exercise to have far-reaching administrative implications. District administrations may require extensive manpower and digital verification systems to complete the process efficiently.
Experts believe the outcome of the exercise could influence future reservation policies, beneficiary identification procedures, and caste certification mechanisms in West Bengal.
Legal experts, political parties, and social organisations are also closely monitoring the development because of its potential impact on lakhs of beneficiaries across the state.
People Also Ask
Why is West Bengal re-verifying caste certificates?
The state government launched the verification drive after allegations of irregularities and fake documentation in SC, ST, and OBC certificate issuance.
How many caste certificates are under review in West Bengal?
Around 1.69 crore caste certificates issued between 2011 and 2026 are being re-verified.
What did the Calcutta High Court say about OBC certificates?
In 2024, the Calcutta High Court cancelled OBC certificates issued after 2010, stating that the revised OBC lists lacked legal validity. (Edited)