Morbi: A controversy surrounding caste certificates and reservation benefits has emerged in Gujarat after youth leader Yuvrajsinh Jadeja alleged that two real brothers from the same family in Morbi district availed benefits under two different reservation categories. The allegations have sparked demands for a comprehensive investigation into caste certificate issuance, government recruitment processes, election nominations, and welfare scheme benefits.
Addressing a press conference, Jadeja claimed that two brothers from Vasundhara village in Wankaner Taluka had secured opportunities under separate reservation categories despite belonging to the same family. According to the allegations, one brother obtained a government job under the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC/OBC) category, while the other allegedly received benefits under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
To support his claims, Jadeja presented a series of documents, including 7/12 land records, Village Form No. 8-A, birth certificates, and school leaving certificates. He asserted that these records indicate both individuals are sons of the same father, Revabhai Hamirbhai Sarasaiya. Raising questions over the validity of the caste certificates, he urged authorities to verify how members of the same family could be recognized under different reservation categories.
According to the allegations, Haresh Revabhai Sarasaiya was selected as a Revenue Talati during the 2015-16 recruitment process under the SEBC category and is currently serving in Morbi district. Meanwhile, his brother, Navghan Revabhai Sarasaiya, was allegedly appointed as a Junior Clerk in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation during the 2023-24 recruitment cycle under the Scheduled Tribe category.
Jadeja also alleged that Navghan had contested the 2021 Wankaner Taluka Panchayat election from a seat reserved for Scheduled Tribe candidates. He questioned whether the caste certificate submitted during the nomination process had been thoroughly scrutinized by election authorities before approval was granted.
The youth leader further referred to documents linked to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), claiming that different caste details had been mentioned by members of the same family in separate applications. He argued that these discrepancies warrant a broader examination of records maintained across various government departments.
In addition, Jadeja alleged that the family owns approximately 15 bighas of agricultural land and already has a member employed in government service. He called for a review of whether any government welfare schemes or benefits were availed in violation of eligibility norms.
“Reservation is meant to safeguard the rights of genuine beneficiaries. If fraudulent caste certificates are used to obtain government jobs, electoral advantages, or welfare benefits, it results in serious injustice,” Jadeja said while demanding a high-level inquiry. He urged the government to verify the caste certificates involved, investigate the role of officials responsible for issuing them, and initiate legal action if any wrongdoing is established.
Jadeja has called for a joint investigation involving the State Government, Social Welfare Department, Revenue Department, recruitment agencies, Election Commission authorities, and vigilance bodies. He has sought scrutiny of recruitment records, election documents, welfare scheme applications, and all related certificates.
Following the allegations, administrative authorities stated that the matter concerning Revenue Talati Haresh Revabhai Sarasaiya would be examined. Officials noted that he had secured his post under the SEBC category and that, since his original cadre belongs to Jamnagar district, relevant information would be forwarded by the Morbi administration to the Jamnagar Collector for further inquiry and necessary action.
Official records indicate that Haresh joined duty in Morbi on May 29 after previously serving in Jamnagar following his recruitment as a Revenue Talati in 2016. As of now, authorities have not announced any findings, and the allegations remain subject to verification through the inquiry process.
