Maharashtra govt orders document check to filter out Bangladeshis

Mumbai: Amid reports of Bangladeshi nationals illegally staying in Maharashtra taking benefits from government schemes, the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maha Yuti government has directed various departments to properly scrutinise documents, particularly those related to identity, residence, and entitlement to benefits.

The government on Friday night issued a Government Resolution (GR) to this effect.

These individuals, once identified, will be blacklisted and their details made publicly available on departmental websites to prevent further misuse across government bodies.

“Applicants seeking benefits under personal welfare schemes will now be required to sign declarations confirming their Indian citizenship and acknowledging that any false claim based on fake documentation could lead to criminal prosecution,” the GR said.

The GR said that illegal immigrants, especially in urban and rural areas, are using counterfeit documents to access subsidies and employment opportunities.