In this article, we aim to explain the sub-communities of the Hindu caste category like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs and discuss why an SC ST OBC certificate is necessary.
Overview:
The Hindu caste system is divided into multiple levels according to the origin and history of our ancestors beyond the usual ‘varna system’. The Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Caste category differ from the typical varna system. These castes and tribes are collectively known as backward classes because of their long history of struggle for equal rights in Indian society. They have been socially and economically disadvantaged and continue to be so in some parts of the country.
However, people from other classes are gradually doing away with these prejudices and learning to give them back their place in society. The practice of reservation by the government ensures that a certain percentage of people from these backward classes secure admissions and jobs in government sectors. Read this blog to know who is in India, what is scheduled caste and what is ST caste.
Who are the Scheduled Castes?
Scheduled Castes are a part of Indian society that has had to deal with oppression and discrimination in the past and on several occasions, even now. According to the Constitution Order, of 1950, only marginalised Hindu communities can be considered Scheduled Castes. Sometimes scheduled castes referred to as ‘Dalits,’ people of the Scheduled Castes are regarded as untouchables even today. The Hindu varna system states that there are four major varnas, namely, the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Those who belong to one of those four varnas are called ‘savarna.’ However, the Scheduled Castes are often regarded as ‘avarnas’ or people who do not fall into the caste category of these four varnas.
Who are the Scheduled Tribes?
Like those who belong to Scheduled Castes, those classified as Scheduled Tribes have also had a long history of oppression and struggle. They, too, are ‘avarnas’ and are given the name ‘Scheduled’ as they fall under one of the schedules of the Constitution of India. Adivasis usually comprise the Scheduled Tribes.
What are Other Backward Classes (OBC full form)?
The term ‘OBC’ stands for ‘other backward classes’ (castes), used for the first time in the Mandal Commission’s report in 1980. OBCs are the castes that fall between the three higher varnas and the Dalits (Scheduled Castes) and Adivasis (Scheduled Tribes), and they account for roughly half of the Indian population. In the beginning, they were classified as ‘Shudras’ under the traditional varna (caste) system, i.e. the lowest of the ‘clean’ caste category.
Which Caste Comes Under the OBC Caste Category?
The Other Backward Classes (OBC) category is a collective term used in some countries, particularly India, to classify castes that are socially and educationally disadvantaged. The OBC list is extensive and dynamic:
- Central List: The central government maintains its list of OBCs. This applies to central government jobs and national educational institutions.
- State List: Each state has its unique OBC list, which may differ from the central list. This is used for state government jobs and state educational institutions.
- Evolution: The OBC list undergoes periodic revisions based on socio-economic surveys.
- Criteria: Inclusion is based on historical disadvantage, social discrimination, and lack of representation.
Always consult official government resources to determine the specific castes under the OBC category in a region.
Purpose of the SC / ST / OBC Certificate and Steps to Procure it
The government has designed the reservation scheme for backward classes from which they can only benefit if they submit their ST, OBC, or SC Caste Certificates.
The caste certificate is a legal document and proof that one belongs to a specific caste or tribe. The caste certificate allows the members of the backward classes or tribes to fully enjoy the privileges of promotion and reservation, which they were deprived of for a long time. Although people from all the other classes can apply for a caste certificate, the SC, ST, and OBC application for a caste certificate becomes all the more vital as they come with special advantages.
The caste certificate forms are available online. Some Indian states still only offer the offline mode, so if you belong to one of these states (or if you’re not tech-savvy), you can collect the application form from the nearest Tahsildar’s office in your town, village, or city. Along with filling in the form with the necessary details, you must submit photocopies of several essential documents to confirm the authenticity of your request. When these main steps have been followed, the rest of the procedure is very easy. Within 21 working days, you can expect to have your caste certificate issued.
Benefit From an SC/ST/OBC Certificate
Caste certificates are proof of caste produced to obtain some special privileges that are guaranteed as part of the Indian system of Protective Discrimination. These privileges include special seats in the Legislative Assembly and Government Services. For instance, government jobs (like IAS, IPS, etc.) and public institutions (such as IIMs and IITs) offer 27% seats under the reservation quota for the backward classes. Certain examinations, such as UPSC Civil Services Exam, also have a relaxed upper age limit.
Documents Required to Procure an SC/ST/OBC Certificate
The first step towards procuring your caste certificate is furnishing a few documents like:
- The SC ST OBC application form
https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/online-application-of-caste-certificate - Your Aadhaar number. If you’re yet to get your Aadhaar card, you may produce your Voter ID, PAN card, Driving License, or Passport
- Current residential proof like water or electricity bill
- Marriage certificate for married women
- Any document carrying proof of birth like a school certificate or a certificate of birth
- A copy of your father’s SC/ST/OBC Certificate. In the absence of your father’s certificate, you can provide the same for any other close relative, preferably from your father’s side of the family
- Lastly, an affidavit stating that you belong to that particular caste.
Conclusion
The importance of a caste certificate can only be valued when there is a thorough understanding of the caste system, which only comes from an in-depth knowledge of caste category on what the terms SC, ST, and OBC entail. If you’re yet to apply for a caste certificate, this is the right time to go ahead and do so.
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