“While the residents of areas adjoining International Border are entitled to reservation in government jobs as per the revised rules, the eligible youth continue to be harassed by the concerned officials in issuance of such certificates of Residents of International Border (RIB). Huge formalities prescribed for availing of the said certificates coupled with highly unsupporting approach of revenue officials has caused huge resentment amongst the eligible youth of border areas who are finding it extremely difficult to get the said certificates despite entitlement”. This was stated by Mr. Harsh Dev Singh, Chairman-JKNPP & former Minister. He was addressing a press conference in Jammu today.
Pointing towards the lengthy list of documents being demanded by revenue authorities for issuance of RIB, Mr. Singh said that these included Ration Card (new computerized) copy, copy of Jamabandi Misal Haqlat from Patwari, copy of Khasra Girdwari from Patwari, report of Lamberdar attested by Patwari, Income Certificate, House Map with permanent and present address, Shajra Nasab copy, copy of Chila-Chowkidara for 15 years, copy of Voter List, copy of Aadhar Card, copy of Voter ID card, report of Naib Tehsildar and an affidavit containing declaration of permanent and present address. “With the bonafide youth finding it extremely difficult to acquire all these documents, the issuance of IB certificates was being irrationally and unjustifiably delayed and denied. It is ironical to note that when Aadhar and Voter ID card are treated as valid proofs of residence and identity for all practical purposes all over the Nation, the concerned authorities in J&K had subjected the border youth to unnecessary harassment by prescribing huge number of unjustified formalities”, lamented Mr. Singh.
The NPP Chairman said that youth residing on IB were already feeling cheated as they were made to share the already existing 3% reservation for LoC residents without providing them separate quota or even enhancing the existing quota. And now the difficulties faced by them in getting all prescribed documents from revenue officials had made it almost impossible to get the RIB certificates, said Singh.
Mr. Harsh Dev Singh further lambasted the lack luster approach of concerned officials and inordinate delays caused in issuance of Domicile Certificates even to those already holding PRCs. He said that an all pervasive culture of patronized corruption in Revenue Department had created massive resentment amongst the general masses calling for personal indulgence of the Lt. Governor to stem the rot.
Surinder Chouhan, District President Jammu (Rural) & Gurdeep Singh@Raju, District Secretary Jammu (Rural) were also present in the press conference.