Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
The Vishwa Jain Sangthan has urged Punjab govt to forgo the practice of issuing minority community certificates.
The VJS said that as per the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, the notified minorities in India are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains. The Commission has repeatedly advised all State Governments that a self-declaration by the applicant, regarding his/her religion should be treated as sufficient. The Supreme Court in various judgments has also held that a person’s religion is a matter of personal faith and self-declaration is adequate.
It is common practice that for issuing certificates, applicants are asked to produce multiple documents like affidavits, certificates from religious institutions, school records, etc., causing undue delay and harassment. This is causing distress among minority communities and goes against the spirit of Article 25-30 of the Constitution of India.
The NCM vide Letter No. 15011/2/2018-NCM dated 22.05.2018 and subsequent advisories have directed all States/UTs to adopt the self-declaration format.
Dr. Sandeep K Jain, VJS State Co-ordinator, Punjab & Chandigarh has requested the govt to issue immediate directions to all Deputy Commissioners, SDMs, Tehsildars and all educational and other departments in Punjab that self-declaration by the applicant is sufficient to support his claim of being member of Minority community, without insisting on any other documentary proof. Issue a State-level circular adopting the format of self-declaration recommended by the National Commission for Minorities, Govt. of India.
Adopting the self-declaration policy will end corruption, reduce pendency, and ensure that benefits of minority welfare schemes actually reach the deserving beneficiaries in Punjab. It will also uphold the constitutional rights of minorities and strengthen communal harmony in the State.
Chandigarh
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