Maharashtra: Over 47,000 Caste Verification Cases Pending Due to Vacancies in BARTI Committees
Pune, 11th March 2025: The caste verification process in Maharashtra is being severely impacted due to a large number of vacancies in the 36 Caste Verification Committees operating under the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI). At present, over 47,000 caste validity cases remain pending across the state.
During the Legislative Assembly session, concerns were raised about the vacant posts in these committees. Responding to the issue, Social Welfare Minister Sanjay Shirsat acknowledged the situation and provided insights into the ongoing crisis.
“It is partly true that many posts in the caste verification committees are vacant. There are 36 district-wise caste verification committees functioning in Maharashtra. A significant number of Chairman posts are vacant due to the selection of ten Additional District Collectors (Selective Category) for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) out of the 14 Chairman positions. As a temporary measure, the additional charge of these vacant posts has been assigned to the currently serving Chairmen,” Shirsat explained.
He further mentioned that BARTI had requested 22 additional officers to clear the backlog of applications, but this request is still under consideration. As of 31 January 2025, the committees have disposed of 40,115 cases, while 47,027 cases remain pending. To address urgent cases, the Director General of BARTI has instructed all committees to prioritize applications related to CET admissions.
In an attempt to address the issue, the Revenue, Forest, and General Administration Department has been requested to fill the vacant Chairman posts immediately. A semi-official letter was sent on 21 January 2025, urging swift action. In response, the General Administration Department has invited expressions of interest from Joint Secretary-level officers of the ministerial department to fill three Chairman posts on deputation.
Despite these measures, the backlog of caste verification cases continues to grow, raising concerns among applicants awaiting their caste validity certificates.
