Students struggle as VAOs’ strike halts issuance of essential certificates

Hubballi: Village administrative officers (VAOs) are on an indefinite strike across the state, crippling operations at tahsildar offices. Students in need of caste, income, and domicile certificates for CET and other exams are facing severe difficulties, receiving a standard response that staff are on strike.
Amid this crisis, touts are reportedly exploiting students by charging exorbitant amounts for certificates.
Paramanand Shivallimath, state council member, Karnataka State Government Employees' Association, told TOI that the process of issuing 17-18 certificates almost halted from Feb 10.
"For instance, there are about 40 VAOs in Hubballi taluk alone. They issue about 100 certificates in rural areas and about 200 certificates in urban areas per day. Especially, students need residential, bonafide, income and caste, and domicile certificates during exam time. VAOs should give biometrics for these certificates. Following the VAOs' strike, the govt has passed this responsibility to revenue inspectors, who have denied to do it without local verification. However, some VAOs are issuing certificates to students on humanitarian grounds," he stated.
He added that VAOs feel sorry about it, but they are helpless as the govt has remained ignorant of their demands.
Umesh Sullad, a parent in Akshay Colony, Hubballi, said it was a difficult task to get a domicile certificate for his son Anmol, who is preparing for the COMEDK test. "As VAOs are on strike, we approached them and requested a lot. After understanding the situation, they provided the certificate on the condition that we do not reveal it to others. The govt should not play games with the future of students. It should resolve the issues of VAOs," he urged.
Amaresh Kadagad, central executive committee member, Students Federation of India, pressed the govt either to resolve the VAOs' issues or to make some temporary arrangements in the interest of students. "As the revenue minister has failed to resolve VAOs' issues, the CM himself should intervene to protect students' interests. Failing to do so, we will have to launch an agitation," he said.
Gangadhar Hanjagi, a functionary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishat, Hubballi, said students are struggling visiting common service centres, VAOs' office, and tahsildar office to get the required certificates. "The situation is disturbing their studies, and it will definitely affect their academic performance," he added.
Gadag admin sets helpline
The Gadag district administration has set up a helpline for students and parents who are struggling to get caste and income certificates due to the VAOs' strike. "We have set up the helpline 08372-238042 for candidates from our district. As soon as we receive a grievance, our officials and staff will help such students," stated deputy commissioner CN Sreedhara.