Did not ask for DNA test for tribals: minister

Social Welfare Minister Babanrao Pachpute, who was reported to have recommended a DNA test for tribals for giving them caste certificates, denied having made such a suggestion.

Social Welfare Minister Babanrao Pachpute, who was reported to have recommended a DNA test for tribals for giving them caste certificates, denied having made such a suggestion.

HT Image

A section of the media reported that Pachpute was contemplating DNA tests for tribals.

“On Wednesday, my department held a workshop on social welfare. One of the speakers suggested DNA tests for making the procedure of allotting caste certificate foolproof,” Pachpute told HT. Caste certificates are essential for any person wishing to avail benefits of government schemes and job reservations.

Pachpute said he had decided on the suggestion. “I was misquoted. People have a right to make suggestions. It’s up to the government to accept or reject them.”

The minister had earlier created a controversy when he proposed government backing to tribals for making alcohol from mahua flowers. He had to withdraw the proposal.