Patna, Dec. 17: The state cabinet today gave its nod to a “Tatkal scheme” for availing three services — procuring caste, income and residential certificates — under the Right to Public Service (RTPS) Act.

Under the scheme, the certificates would be issued within two days of filing applications without any extra cost, cabinet secretary Brajesh Mehrotra said.

The decision is a follow-up to the announcement of chief minister Nitish Kumar on November 25 — the day he presented the annual report card of his government — that some services such as getting caste, income and residential certificates would be available under a Tatkal scheme.

These certificates are of great importance for students who have to submit them in competitive examinations for availing quota benefits.

Ravi Kumar, a resident of Motihari who is preparing for competitive examinations, welcomed the decision.

“If this happens, it would be a great thing. All these certificates are crucial for candidates, especially those who want to avail quota benefits. At present, if a person wants to avail reservation he/she will have to furnish a caste certificate as well as an income certificate to prove that he/she does not fall under the creamy layer category,” Ravi Kumar said.

Under the RTPS Act, which was introduced on August 15, 2011, in the state, people are entitled to certain services within a stipulated time frame at government offices.

There is a provision under the act for punitive action against officials who fail to provide the service within the deadline.

Apart from this, the cabinet has also decided to reduce the earlier time limit for availing some of the services currently being provided under the RTPS Act, cabinet secretary Mehrotra said.

A learner’s driving licence, duplicate driving licence and temporary vehicle registration can now be obtained within seven days of filing the application.

An international driving licence can now be obtained within 15 days. Earlier it took 30 days.

The time limit for getting character certificates and police verification done for passports has been reduced to 14 days from 28 days.

Private university: The cabinet also gave its nod to the Bihar Private University Rules, 2013 for setting up private universities in the state.