Who is the OBC Certificate Issuing Authority in India?

As an important part of the 'Indian System of Protective Discrimination,' the government began issuing caste certificates in 1950. They aimed to provide improved facilities to specific groups who belonged to backward classes. 

Following this, the Indian Government offered eligible citizens of Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificates. The primary aim was to provide all eligible candidates with top-notch education and job-related opportunities.

Knowing who issues the OBC certificate is important to ensure you apply to the correct authority and meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining the certificate. So, let’s look at who issues OBC certificates in India and other related information.

The competent authorities for offering an OBC certificate are:

• District Magistrate

• Additional District Magistrate

• Deputy Commissioner

• Collector

• Deputy Collector

• Taluka Magistrate

• First Class Stipendiary Magistrate

• Sub-Divisional Magistrate

• Extra Assistant Commissioner

• Executive Magistrate

• Chief/ Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate 

• Any Revenue Officer who is above the rank of Sub Divisional Officer/ Tahsildar of your area

To be considered eligible as an Other Backward Class citizen, you must fulfill the following conditions:

• Your family has to come from a non-affluent background. 

• If either of the parents of an OBC citizen holds a Group C or Group D government job position, you can only opt for an OBC B certificate.

• If the Central Government hires you, only your spouse will be eligible for the OBC A certificate, provided he/she proves that their parents did not have a regular income source.

• For a valid application, you must first acquire a state domicile certificate.

• Finally, you must be a permanent citizen of India to enjoy the reservation benefits

For different states, the online OBC certificate request procedure varies. Here is general guidance to ensure smoother navigation while applying:

Step 1: Visit your state’s official website to access the OBC certificate application page. For example, you can visit the Backward Classes Welfare Department portal if you live in West Bengal.

Step 2: Create an account to log in (if required) and find the option to download the OBC certificate application form.

Step 3: Go to your profile section and select the OBC certificate application from the services list.

Step 4: Download the application form from the website. A direct link may be found on the homepage or a related section.

Step 5: Open the form and fill in your personal details, such as your name, parents' names, date of birth, address, phone number, and PAN details.

Step 6: If available, choose your preferred language (such as English or Hindi) and complete the form in that language.

Step 7: As instructed on the website, upload the required documents, such as proof of identity and address.

Step 8: After filling out the form and uploading documents, click "Submit" to complete the application process. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation.

Typically, the rightful authority sends your OBC certificate to your registered mail ID within 30 days.

Note: You will enjoy different validity periods depending on who issues OBC certificates, a State or the Central Government. For instance, certificates given by the State Government are considered valid for 3 years, while State OBC certificates need to be renewed every year.

Now that you are already familiar with the online application method let us discuss the steps to apply for an OBC certificate offline:

Step 1: Visit any local SETU/CSC centres or Tehsil/ SDM office. These bodies offer to issue OBC certificates.

Step 2: Ask for the relevant application form after visiting the office.

Step 3: Fill out all the mandatory details.

Step 4: Applicants whose fathers have passed away should bring their nearest relative’s OBC certificate for verification. 

Step 5: Next, apply for the valid OBC certificate type. 

Step 6: Applicants who previously used to reside in a different state must mention related details in the application form.

Step 7: Sign a self-declaration to proceed to the next stage.

Step 8: Attest the required documents and passport-size colour photographs to your application form before submitting. 

Finally, you can collect your OBC certificate from the office via SMS or email after confirmation. Alternatively, you can download the soft copy through your registered email address.

OBC certificates are generally verified by the institution or organisation where the benefits are sought. This verification may involve cross-checking with the issuing authority, scrutinising the certificate's authenticity, and potentially conducting additional background checks.

After getting an insight into who issues OBC certificates and how to apply for them, you can avoid many common mistakes. This will save you time and effort by reducing the need for multiple trips to government offices. Furthermore, you will be better positioned to guide other OBC citizens you know, ensuring they are not deprived of their rights.