Assam Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (NCL)

Caste certificate is a legal document that an individual possesses as proof of belonging to a certain caste. Under the constitution of India, the caste system includes reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC and General Category. The Other Backward Class (OBC) is sub-categorized as Creamy Layer and Non-Creamy Layer based on the annual income. In this article, we look into the aspects of Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate and the procedure for obtaining the Assam Non-Cream layer certificate in detail.

Creamy vs Non-Creamy Layer

The concept of Creamy Layer was introduced to exclude the section of the Backward Class whose socio-economic status is ahead of the weaker section of the same class. This helps to distribute the benefits of the reservation among the sections of the Backward Class. The Non-Creamy layer is otherwise called as OBC (Other Backward Class), and the Creamy Layer is treated equally as General Category. Therefore, the creamy layer is not applicable for any of the benefits of the reserved category. The categories are differentiated based on the annual income earned by the parents that include salary as well as other forms of income. Those people of the Backward Class whose annual income exceeds Rs.8 Lakhs fall under the Creamy Layer while those whose annual income is less than Rs.8 Lakhs belong to Non-Creamy Layer.

Benefits of Non-Creamy Layer

Those belonging to the Non-Creamy Layer are eligible for 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. To know more about Non-Creamy Layer Certificate, Click Here.

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant should fulfil the following conditions of eligibility to get the Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) Certificate in the State of Assam.

The applicant should be an Indian citizen.
The applicant should be a permanent resident of Assam.
The applicant is eligible if he/she belongs to the recognized community, i.e. must belong to the OBC category.
The annual income of the applicant’s family or the annual income of the applicant’s parents should not exceed Rs.8 Lakhs, including the income from other sources (Land, property, business). However, agricultural income does not get into consideration.

Documents Required

While applying for the non-creamy layer certificate, submit the following documents along with the application:

Permanent resident certificate or any other proof of residency
Proof of Identity (Ration Card, Voter ID)
Proof of Community of the applicant or the parent’s – OBC/MOBC certificate issued by the competent authority
Income certificate from controlling authority
Income certificate of parents from the Circle Officer if they are agriculturists/ Treasury Officer if retired salaried persons.
Passport size Photograph.
Affidavit / Self-declaration

Note: If any of the prescribed documents are not available, a certificate from the Chairman of Municipality or Councilor of Municipal Corporation, MLA, MP etc. together with reports of enquiry and hearing are considered for eligibility.

Validity

There is no fixed period for the validity of Non-Creamy Layer certificate. Currently, the certificate issued by the authority is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance.

Concerned Department and Authority

The service is provided by the Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Class, Government of Assam. The Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) or the concerned Circle Officer is the competent authority for the issuance of the certificate in Assam.