‘Red tape’ hindering Shaadi Mubarak processing

Hyderabad: Despite clear instructions to District Collectors to not insist for ‘Marriage Certificate’ from the applicants of Shaadi Mubarak, the beneficiaries are asked to produce documents which are non-essential for availing the scheme.

The Siyanama (Booklet in Urdu) issued by Qazi as per the norm is the only mandatory document required to produce, but the red-tapism has slowed down the process, while in some cases, the couple await amount, even after child is born.

Earlier, taking cognizance of several complaints from beneficiaries. M Dana Kishore, Secretary to Government (Minorities Welfare Department), issued a Memo on January 11. He instructed all District Collectors to direct all RDOs and Tahsildars to not insist on the applicant to get Marriage Certificate (in English) from Telangana State Wakf Board in addition to Siyanama (Booklet in Urdu) issued by the Qazi. He further instructed the Collectors to get the Siyanama translated into English if necessary without causing any inconvenience to the applicants.

However, recently some instances came to light where the revenue officials sought various documents which are not mandated in the GOs issued by the Minorities Welfare Department and BC Welfare Department. Documents like Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, Educational Certificate, Rental deed, letter from religious institution, Aadhar cards of two neighbours etc were asked at the time of enquiry. “We have been running from pillar to post for availing the benefits under this scheme. But it has been more than a year, since we were married and now we also have a son,” said Md Irfan (name changed).

Social activists have described the red-tapism as nothing but the harassment to the applicants who are depriving eligible candidates from their right to get benefitted under the Shaadi Mubarak Scheme implemented by the State Government.

“They are insisting that the applications should be accompanied by Marriage Certificates (in English) from the Telangana State Wakf Board. It is not mandated by the Scheme guidelines to produce the Marriage Certificate and it is clearly mentioned that Siyanama (Booklet in Urdu) issued by the Qazi is proof enough of marriage having been solemnized,” said S Q Masood, Joint Secretary, Association of Socio-Economic Empowerment of the Marginalised.

He argues that it is very difficult for poor people in districts to travel all the way to Hyderabad and make several trips to the office of the Wakf Board to obtain the Marriage Certificate just to please officials. “The District Collectors should take a note of this issue and address it immediately,” he added.

The activist also accused that the officials were asking hefty bribes at the time of enquiry. They are asking heavy bribes when applicant unable to produce the same. There are complaints of bribes of Rs 5000 to 8000 being demanded by revenue officials from applicants through agents.

BY Md Nizamuddin