Bhubaneswar, April 11: The School and Mass Education Department has issued fresh guidelines for the issuance of duplicate School Leaving Certificates (SLC), bringing relief to students who have lost or damaged their original documents.

As per the new directive, students can now obtain a duplicate SLC by submitting valid proof supporting their claim. The move comes after several students reported difficulties in securing duplicate certificates in the absence of clear procedures.

According to the guidelines, the headmaster of the respective school will be authorized to issue the duplicate certificate after obtaining approval from the District Education Officer.

Students will be required to furnish necessary evidence depending on the situation. In case of loss or theft, a copy of the FIR from the concerned police station must be submitted. If the certificate is damaged, relevant proof must be provided. Duplicate SLCs will also be issued if the original document is destroyed due to fire or natural disasters such as heavy rain, cyclones, or floods.

However, the department has made it clear that applications for duplicate SLC will not be accepted if the original certificate has already been used for admission and a fresh request is made.