In India, the Government introduced the caste-based reservation system to address the issues of discrimination experienced by the disadvantaged communities. The primary objective of the reservation system in India is to uplift the socio-economic status of those underprivileged communities designated by the Government as Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Class (OBC). However, the people belonging to the OBC community and the General Category are provided equal opportunities in every field. Therefore, to avail the benefits of the reservation, the Other Backward Class (OBC) is sub-categorized as Creamy Layer, and Non-Creamy Layer wherein the people belonging to non-creamy layer should obtain the OBC caste certificate to benefit from the facilities offered by the government. Prime Minister V.P. Singh introduced the Non-Creamy Layer Certificate, also known as the Other Backward Class Certificate, in 1993. Within the Central Government and Public Sector, a portion of jobs were allocated to people with this certificate.IITs and IIMs also offer certain allocations to students with Non-Creamy Layer Certificates. The Tahsildar of the concerned State Government issues Non-Creamy Layer Certificates. The NCL Certificate process varies from state to state. Creamy and Non-Creamy Layer Difference The non-creamy layer sector is differentiated from the creamy layer based on the annual family income. The creamy layer or the non-creamy layer certificate is issued for the people belonging to the OBC community based on their socio-economic status. Apart from the income, there are specific other criteria to be considered for government servants to fall under the non-creamy layer. This was done to distribute the benefits of the reservation among the weaker sections of the Backward Class. The creamy layer is not applicable for any of the benefits of the reserved category as they are treated equally as the General Category whereas the non-creamy layer is called merely as the OBC (Other Backward Class). Criteria for Non-Creamy Layer The annual income of the parents that includes salaries as well as income from other sources should not exceed Rs. 8 Lakhs. None of the parents of the recipient should be a Group A / Class I Officer under the Central / State Government. None of the parents of the recipient should belong to any service in any PSU, Bank, Insurance Company, Educational Institution or in private employment, comparable with Group A / Class I service under Central / State Government or holds any Constitutional post. The person will be treated as belonging to non-creamy layer if none or only one of the parents is a Group B / Class II Officer under the Central / State Government. The person will be treated as the non-creamy layer, if none or only one of the parents belong to any service in any PSU, Bank, Insurance Company, Educational Institution or in private employment, comparable with Group B / Class II service under Central / State Government. A person will not come under the non-creamy layer if parents of whom only the father is a Group-B officer gets into Group-A at the age of 40 or earlier. For government employees, only their cadre in the office is the criterion for non-creamy layer status and not the income limit. All other government servants who are having income greater than 8 lakhs are still eligible for the OBC non-creamy layer certificates if they fall under class 3 cadre under Central or State Government. Eligibility Criteria The applicant should be a citizen of India. The applicant should be a permanent resident of Madhya Pradesh. The applicant must belong to OBC category to be eligible. The annual income of the applicant’s parents (in case of 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. Documents Required For proof of caste –Record of immovable property recorded in the name of family member in which the caste is mentioned or the caste certificate of a family member after the year 1996. In case of the year 1984 or before, residence related proof for the family in Madhya Pradesh –Record of immovable property registered under the name of government service / voter identity card. Photocopy of academic qualification certificate of the applicant himself. Enclose self-declaration regarding the date of caste and residence. (Mandatory) For certification of income, attach the Tahsildar / letter issued by employer or an affidavit. (Mandatory) For minor children, attach the self-attested copy by the revenue officer (who is not below the rank of Tehsildar) of the area where the property or the agricultural land is situated. Benefits of Non-Creamy Layer Those belonging to the Non-Creamy Layer are eligible for all the benefits provided by the Government and other sectors for the reserved 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. Competent Authority The Sub-Divisional Officer of the Revenue Department is the Designated Officer for the issuance of a certificate. First Appellate Authority – District Collector / Additional Collector Second Appellate Authority – Divisional Commissioner, Revenue Note: The first appeal should be submitted within the time limit of 30 days of the decision of the office-bearer officer. The second appeal should be submitted within 60 days from the decision of First Appeal Officer. Processing Time For the urban areas – 30 working days For the rural areas – 30 working days Validity- Non-Creamy Layer certificate does not have fixed validity period. Currently, the certificate issued by the authority has the validity of 3 years from the date of issuance. Application Procedure for Madhya Pradesh Non-Creamy Layer Certificate: Online Process: The applicant can apply online for the Madhya Pradesh Non-Creamy Layer Certificate using the MP e-District portal. Step 1: Visit the official website of Madhya Pradesh e-District. Click Citizen Login on the home page and then click proceed. Step 2: Under the certificate services, click OBC Certificate Step 3: Services can be obtained from the MP e-District portal using the Base number or the mobile number that is registered with the Aadhar card.
