Punjab Non-Creamy Layer Certificate
Punjab Non-Creamy Layer Certificate
Caste certificate officially states that a person belongs to a specific caste under the constitution of India. Issuance of caste certificate removes the segregation and inequality that prevails among the underprivileged of the country. Therefore, to claim the benefits sponsored by the government, people belonging to backward classes such as SC, ST, OBC must possess a caste certificate. Under the reservations, the Other Backward Class (OBC) is sub-categorized as Creamy Layer and Non-Creamy Layer based on the annual family income. In this article, we look into the procedure for obtaining the Non-Creamy Layer certificate in Punjab.
Creamy vs. Non-Creamy Layer
The non-creamy layer is generally referred to as OBC (Other Backward Class). The purpose of introducing the concept of Creamy Layer was to distribute the benefits of the reservation equally among the sections of the Backward Class who are economically forward and better educated than the weaker section of the same class.
Creamy Layer is treated equally as General Category and therefore is not applicable for any of the government-sponsored benefits of the reserved category. The categories differ based on the annual income earned by the parents that include salary as well as other forms of income. The annual family income limit to fall under non-creamy layer is Rs.8 Lakhs while those whose annual income exceeds Rs.8 Lakhs belong to Creamy Layer.
Benefits of Non-Creamy Layer
People belonging to the Non-Creamy Layer are entitled to claim all the benefits that are available for the OBC category, unlike the Creamy Layer.
Compared to the Creamy-Layer, Non-Creamy Layer section has better access to education, employment and sponsors of the government.
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Eligibility Criteria
The applicant should fulfil the following conditions of eligibility to obtain the Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) Certificate in the State of Punjab.
- The applicant should be a citizen of India.
- The applicant should be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- The applicant must belong to the OBC category to be eligible.
- The annual income of the applicant’s parents (in case of a minor) or the annual income of the applicant’s family should not exceed Rs.8 Lakhs including the income from other sources (Land, property, business). However, the agricultural income is not included under consideration.
Supporting Documents
The person applying for the non-creamy layer certificate should attach the following documents along with the duly filled application form.
- Copy of Residence Proof
- Copy of Ration Card
- Copy of Proof of Age
- Copy of Verification Leaf (issued by Sarpanch, Numberdaar, Municipal Councilor)
- Copy of Self Declaration’s form
- Proof of Income
- Any other caste relevant document
- Scanned passport size photograph
Concerned Authority
The Revenue and Rehabilitation Department is responsible for the issuance of Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (OBC Certificate). Concerned Tehsildar of the applicant’s district processes the application. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate is the authorized official for the approval or the rejection of the application for caste certificate in Punjab.
Service Charge
To obtain a non-creamy layer certificate in Punjab, the applicant should pay a government fee of Rs.10.
Jan Sewa Kendra (Citizen Service Center) charges the citizens, Rs. 50 to apply for OBC certificate.
Processing Time
The overall processing time extends for 17 days from the date of submission of the application.
Validity
Non-Creamy Layer certificate does not have a fixed validity period. Currently, the certificate issued by the authority has the validity of 3 years from the date of issuance.
Application Process
In Punjab, the Government officials accept service requests through electronic channels only.
The applicant can apply in the following ways.
- Through Common Service Centers (Jan Sewa Kendra)
- Through Suwidha Centers
- Through online from their respective places (Citizen login)
Online Application through Citizen Login:
Any citizen can apply for the service online through e-District Sewa if internet connection is available.
The citizen should register in e-District Sewa, to access the e-District application if the applicant is accessing the portal for the first time.
Step 1: To register, visit the official website of the State portal of Punjab. Click Citizen Login link.
Step 2: Click ‘User Registration’. The registration page appears. Provide the required details that include personal details, user id, password, and security questions. Enter the captcha and click submit.
Step 3: With generated user id and password, log in the e-District portal and select the option OBC Certificate.
Step 4: Fill out the application form furnishing the required details.
Step 5: Scan and upload the supporting documents mentioned.
Step 6: Make the necessary payment through the payment gateway. Upon successful payment, apply.
Step 7: Print the acknowledgement receipt generated by the e-District application after submitting for future reference.
Track Application:
The applicant can track the application status online by entering the application number.
Online application through Common Service Centers / Suwidha Centers:
Step 1: The applicant should submit the request for non-creamy layer certificate to the authorized CSC / Suwidha operator along with the supporting documents.
For this purpose, the centre will provide a form to the applicant to furnish the required information.
The applicant has to prove his / her identity to the authorized operator using any government proof of id.
Step 2: The operator in the counter of the CSC/Suwidha centre will log in to the e-District using his /her user id and password.
Step 3: The authorized operator will fill in the form with the provided applicant’s details. The supporting documents attached will be scanned and uploaded by the same.
Step 4: Using a web camera, the operator will take the applicant’s photograph and will attach it to the form.
Step 5: The applicant should pay the government fee and the facilitation charge in the cash counter after which the operator will apply.
Step 6: The acknowledgement receipt with the unique acknowledgement number will be printed and delivered to the applicant.
Step 7: The authorized operator will make the case the file and dispatch to the concerned office, as indicated in the e-District application.
Process of Application
Step 8: On behalf of the Tehsildar, the authorized official of the Tehsildar office will receive the application case file.
Step 9: The Tehsildar will log in to his account and examines the received request, checks the supporting documents.
Step 10: The official will approve the request using the digital signature on satisfying with the details.
In another case, he may reject the request using the digital signature with rejection remarks.
Issuance of Certificate
Step 11: The applicant should visit the CSC / Suwidha centre and must provide the acknowledgement number.
Step 12: The authorized operator will log in to the e-District portal and will retrieve the digitally signed certificate.
If the applicant opts for the postal delivery, the certificate will be delivered through a post that is duly signed and stamped by the authorized operator.
