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인도의 OBC쿼터제
Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST)과 Other Backward Classes (OBC)에 속하는 사람들
인도의 카스트와 소수집단, 그리고 할당제 논란
인도의 할당제는 카스트 제도로 인한 오랜 차별의 결과 후진성을 면치 못하고 있는 불가촉천민들에게 보상적 정의를 실현한다는 취지로 식민지 시대에 처음 시작되었고, 독립 이후에도 헌법에 할당제가 명시되면서 확고한 법적 근거를 가지고 시행되고 있다.
할당제는 낮은 카스트 지위로 인해 차별받는 지정카스트, 카스트 사회로부터 오랫동안 격리되어 살아온 지정부족, 그 외에 기타 후진계급등 세 범주의 사람들에게 입법부에서의 의석, 교육기관의 입학정원, 공공부문 고용에 있어서 인구 비율만큼의 정원할당과 예산 할당을 보장해주고 있다.
할당제는 지금까지 대부분 카스트를 기준으로 수혜집단을 결정했지만, 2019년 개헌에서 계급을 기준으로 하는 할당제가 포함되어 제도 자체와 인도 사회의 큰 변화를 예고하고 있다.
The Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are officially designated groups of people and among the most disadvantaged socio-economic groups in India. The terms are recognized in the Constitution of India and the groups are designated in one or other of the categories.
Who Are the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs?
In this article, we aim to explain the sub-communities of the Hindu caste system like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs and discuss why an SC ST OBC certificate is necessary.
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 Classes 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 are OBC in India, what is scheduled caste and what is ST caste.
Who are the Scheduled Castes?
Scheduled Castes are a part of the Indian society that have had to deal with oppression and discrimination in the past and on several occasions, even now. According to the Constitution Order, 1950, only marginalised Hindu communities can be considered Scheduled Castes. Sometimes 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 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.

Who are the Other Backward Classes?
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’ castes.
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 certificate.
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 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.
How Can You 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 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.
Also read:
SC/ST/OBC Certificate
SC ST OBC Certificate Application Status
How to Change Your Caste From SC to General?