III.D Time frame for disposal

Caste Certificates: Originally, an application for caste certificate is to be disposed off within eight weeks from the date of its submission. In most of the study states, caste certificates have been received by the applicants within 15–20 days from the date of applications, if documents furnished along with applications are satisfactory. In cases where documents are not satisfactory or the issuing authorities find disputes in documental proof furnished by applicants, field inquiry conducted by officials. Field inquiries and physical verification process are carried out by officials to check on the authenticity of documentations. Delays happen if there are no paternal certificates and ancestors staying in interior places delay in furnishing their own documents etc.

Domicile/Residence/Income certificates: The validity period of this certificate has been enhanced to life long. The prescribed time limit to obtain a domicile certificate is 21 days. In West Bengal, processing time to issue the Domicile / Resident certificate is 7 days in case of online applications. For physical applications to Tehsil office/ sub-divisional office/revenue department office or office of district collector, the domicile certificate can be received by post after 15 to 20 days, if documental proofs such as residential proof, birth proof, identity proof are satisfactory to the issuing authority. It takes about 21 days in Delhi, 30 days in Karnataka and 7-10 days in Bihar from the date of application to issue domicile certificates by concerned authorities.

As per the Karnataka Sakala Service Act, 2011 and (Amendment) Act, 2014, if applicants apply for caste certificates/ domicile/ residence certificates/income certificates etc and do not receive the certificates since a long time, they can approach the Competent Officer (an officer who shall be empowered to impose cost on the public servant defaulting or delaying the delivery of service). If the issues are not resolved, they can meet the Appellate Authority- an officer appointed by the Government invested with the power to hear appeal against the orders passed by any competent officer under this Act. If the applicants do not get response even after the approaching Appellate Authority, they can approach Sakala.

In case of difficulties to get certificates under Sakala: If not received by 3 days, the applicant is entitled to approach the Municipal Commissioner (Competent Officer) as a first appeal. A decision by the Competent Officer has to be taken within a maximum of 15 working days from the date of appeal. If the decision of the Municipal Commissioner is not received within the stipulated time or is not acceptable or implemented, the applicant can make a second appeal and approach the Deputy Commissioner of the District (Appellate Authority). The decision of the Appellate Authority has to be taken within a maximum of 30 working days from the date of the second appeal.

III.E Procedure for Error corrections or cancellation of issued certificates

Errors in Birth Certificates occur due to negligence of hospital authorities or concerned issuing officials in case of offline applications, causing the applicants to make repeated visits to get them corrected. According to the Registration of Birth and Deaths Act 1969, changes can be made in the certificate if the Registrar is satisfied with the documents furnished. In case of