Mamlatdar refuses to issue EBC paper to Muslim youths

Surat: Surat district collector Mahendra Patel on Friday ordered an inquiry against mamlatdar of Udhna zone, who refused to issue economically backward classes (EBC) certificate to nine Muslim youths stating 'they are from the minority community, so can't enjoy the benefits of EBC'.
Congress councillor Aslam Cyclewala brought the issue to the notice of district collector.Cyclewala submitted a memorandum and demanded suspension of the mamlatdar of Udhna zone, V D Patel, for refusing to issue EBC certificate to nine Muslim youths. Cyclewala stated that V D Patel refused to issue EBC certificate to the Muslim youths but gave it to those from the majority community.
The state government had recently announced 10 per cent reservation for EBC and people welcomed it with much cheer, especially families having an annual income of less than Rs 6 lakh.
Now that the admission season has begun, students eligible for EBC quota have been queuing up at Jan Seva Kendras in the city to apply for the certificate. Talking to TOI, Aslam Cyclewala said, "These Muslim youths had gone to the mamlatdar's office to apply for the EBC certificate. However, the mamlatdar refused saying that 'you all are from minority community, so can't get the benefits of EBC.'"
Cyclewala added, "I went personally to meet the mamlatdar. He was very rude to me as well and informed that he could not issue the EBC certificate to Muslim youths. He was not afraid when I told him that I will go to the district collector."
District collector Mahendra Patel said, "I have ordered the prant officer to conduct an inquiry into the entire issue. EBC certificate can be issued to all having an annual income below Rs 6 lakh per annum. The mamlatdar cannot refuse EBC certificate on the basis of religion or caste. This is serious and we are committed to take action."