Gonda Lekhpal Strike Halts Online Certificate Services
An indefinite strike by Lekhpals in Gonda has halted the processing of income, caste, and EWS certificates, leaving hundreds of students and job seekers stranded.
A massive administrative deadlock has gripped Gonda as the Lekhpal Association launched an indefinite strike, bringing essential digital governance to a grinding halt. The protest has triggered a massive backlog on the e-District portal, leaving hundreds of citizens stranded as their urgent applications for vital documents remain frozen in digital limbo.
Essential Services Paralyzed
The strike has directly impacted the issuance of several critical documents required for education, employment, and social welfare. Residents are currently unable to obtain:
- Income Certificates
- Caste Certificates
- Residence Certificates
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificates
- Status Certificates
Because these certificates require field verification by Lekhpals to move forward on the portal, the lack of their participation means no new reports are being uploaded, effectively stopping the entire workflow.
Students and Job Seekers Left in Limbo
The most severe impact is being felt by students and candidates preparing for competitive examinations and university admissions. The delay is not just a matter of inconvenience; for many, it is a matter of missing life-changing opportunities.
"I applied for my income and residence certificates two weeks ago for a teacher recruitment exam, but they are still pending," lamented Atul Tiwari, a resident of Gadauli. The frustration is echoed across the district:
- Pooja Mishra (Jamalkhani): Applying for the TGT exam, her progress is stalled.
- Swati Dwivedi: Seeking an EWS certificate for M.Sc. admission at Delhi University, her application has been stuck for eight days.
- Seema Tiwari (Bhairampur): Facing delays in EWS certification required for teacher recruitment.
- Durga Prasad (Semra): Waiting on an income certificate necessary for his son’s scholarship.
The Scale of the Shutdown
According to Rameshwardatt Tiwari, the Tehsil President of the Lekhpal Association, the strike has been absolute. While some online work was previously being managed in the villages where they were originally posted, all online operations were officially halted as of Thursday.
Local administration officials have acknowledged the crisis. Tehsildar Ashutosh Pandey confirmed that a significant number of applications are currently pending due to the total absence of verification reports from the field. While the backlog continues to grow, officials stated that discussions will be held to resolve the standoff and restore normalcy to the e-District services.