In response to growing complaints regarding the issuance of false Permanent Resident Tripura Certificates (PRTCs) to non-residents, the Tripura state government has vowed to tackle the issue head-on. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has taken the matter seriously and has directed Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha to personally address the situation with utmost urgency, involving all Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) in the state.
Addressing media representatives at his official residence on Saturday, Chief Minister Dr. Saha acknowledged the allegations and assured the public that appropriate actions have already been initiated. “No one with fake PRTC can deceive the government,” he stated emphatically. Dr. Saha specifically highlighted the allegations surrounding the recent SSC-GD (Staff Selection Commission – General Duty) interviews, where individuals from outside the state purportedly presented counterfeit PRTCs in order to secure employment with central paramilitary forces.
Out of the 50,187 available positions in the SSC-GD 2022-23, 600 posts have been earmarked for Tripura residents, with 232 positions allocated to the Unreserved (UR) category. However, investigations have revealed that out of the 482 UR candidates shortlisted for medical tests scheduled for July 17, only 88 are genuine Tripura residents, while the remainder possess forged PRTCs.
Expressing concern over the issue, Tripura candidates have written a letter to the Chief Minister, seeking immediate action against those involved. Additionally, the NSUI (National Students’ Union of India) has also taken up the matter, calling for the removal of candidates holding fake PRTCs.
Chief Minister Dr. Saha assured the public that the issue surrounding the SSC-GD interviews is being thoroughly examined. He acknowledged the existence of fake certificate rackets and their deep-rooted nature, emphasizing the need to uproot them. “These rackets are well aware of any existing loopholes they can exploit. We must eradicate them, even if it proves challenging,” he asserted. Dr. Saha further emphasized the state government’s commitment to combating corruption from the grassroots level. In this regard, the Chief Secretary has been instructed to directly liaise with SDMs, bypassing the District Magistrates, in order to expedite necessary actions.
Moreover, Chief Minister Dr. Saha expressed grave concern over drug abuse in the state, particularly its use as a transit route by international drug syndicates. He assured the public that comprehensive measures are being implemented to combat this menace, aiming to safeguard the well-being of Tripura and its residents.
