Our new government has decided to link the Aadhaar card to an individual’s respective caste certificate. The motive of this approach is to develop a biometric data of a large number of poor and underprivileged people. This would help them gain access to facilities for which they face discrimination under the caste system of India. This step will take place once the successful administration of linking an Aadhaar card with a bank is completed. Thus the central government of India has directed all state governments to issue caste and domicile certificate to the respective population especially the SC/STs.
Before going ahead with this entire process, it is important that you enrol for an Aa Aadhaar card.
To begin with, let us read what exactly a caste/domicile certificate is.
A caste certificate is a certificate given to an individual to help them denote their respective caste (a member of a particular class). A domicile certificate acts as proof of your state of residence. It is mainly issued by graduate grade state universities but it can also be used for employment application as many organizations prefer locals over outsiders for recruitment.
Post the new government order, all schools and state institutions have decided to issue the caste/domicile certificate during the school timings itself. The next step is to link the Aadhaar card with these mentioned certificates. This is highly beneficial for economically and other backward classes as they can gain admissions to universities without any further discrimination, this also entitles them free admission and allowances for higher studies. The benefits are further amplified for SC/STs who can avail government grants and scholarships prescribed for their community. This also makes the entire process smooth and error free.
Linking an Aadhaar card with caste certificate will also curtail corruption within the education system of India as a righteous database will prevent the growth of a large number of fake certificates.
Note: Schools and educational institutes have been ordered by the state to issue caste certificate and domicile certificates to students aged between 10-12 years so that they can link them with their respective Aadhaar cards.
Scholarships: Since the database is already established by the UIDAI and the state government, dispensing scholarships to the respective population of SC/STs will happen at a faster phase. Therefore, the central government has ordered all state governments to issue caste and domicile certificates to kids of all economically backward classes.
Admission Purposes: Post the successful linking of Aadhaar card with a caste certificate, the students can avail all benefits related to allowances and government grants for higher studies. In fact, the central government has made it mandatory to link Aadhaar card with caste certificate for making admissions in IIT, IIMs and other prominent state universities across PAN India. This also makes the entire process of admission hassle-free.
Political Reservation: The seat for any election constituency is based on a particular population. Thus, linking Aadhaar card with caste certificate will improve transparency within the political division of any voting body with respect to the declared reserved constituency.
Government Employment: Access to equal job opportunities has always been an area of concern for outsiders in every state, especially the underprivileged ST/SCs. With an Aadhaar backed caste certificate, cases of discrimination will likely reduce.
The entire process lies in the hands of the state governments. The central government has ordered all state governments to issue caste certificate/domicile certificate to all students from 10th grade onwards. This usually happens over a period of 60 days from admission. Post issuing the certificates, it is the state government’s complete responsibility to link these certificates with Aadhaar card.
Is obtaining a caste certificate easy?
Obtaining a caste certificate use to be a herculean task before. But with the advent of the new government, it is easy to obtain a caste and domicile certificate. The central government has directed all state governments to issue these two certificates during school period itself.
How to change caste in Aadhaar card?
If you want to change your caste in Aadhaar card, you will have to visit the nearest Aadhaar card centre and apply with a personal details modification/updation form and submit the same.
Does Aadhaar card have caste?
No, Aadhaar card does not have your caste mentioned. It is a document independent of your religious beliefs/political affiliations.
Will states link Aadhaar card to caste certificate, domicile certificate?
Yes, it is the complete responsibility of the state government to link Aadhaar card to caste certificate, domicile certificate. This is a direct order from the central government.
Can Aadhaar card be used as a domicile certificate?
No, an Aadhaar card cannot be used as a domicile certificate. It only acts as a proof of identity and address.
What documents can be used as domicile certificate?
Only a domicile certificate issued by the university that you have studied in can grant you this certificate. There is no alternative to a domicile certificate.
Is linking SC/ST certificates with Aadhaar mandatory?
No, it is not mandatory to link the SC/ST certificates with Aadhaar. However, it is good to get the same done as per the central government..
How to find caste certificate number?
Your caste certificate number is written on the front side of your caste certificate. This certificate is issued by your respective state government or educational institution. As an alternative, you can visit the official website for the same at castcertificatewb.gov.in/jsp/search.jsp
Which documents are required for caste certificate in Maharashtra?
You are required to submit the following in Maharashtra if you seek a caste certificate - School/Birth Certificate, ID and residence proof, caste certificate of your parents, proof of residence of state. You need to submit all of these along with the application form at your nearest tehsil.
How to link Aadhaar card with caste certificate online?
Currently, Aadhaar card cannot be linked online with the caste certificate. You may however visit the ‘Tahsildar or the local Government body office’ to get the needful done.
