KOCHI: The State Backward Classes Commission has recommended to the government to give two percent reservation in government service appointments to orphans and the destitute.

The National Backward Classes Commission had sought the state government's stand on reservations for orphans. Following the instructions of the state government, the commission chaired by former high court judge Justice G Sasidharan conducted a detailed study and made a recommendation on June 27. Those orphaned due to the loss or abandonment of their parents before the age of ten are eligible for reservation. Reservation applies to those in government-run and government-recognized orphanages. No reservation will be given for children in foster care. Orphans and the destitute should not be included in backward classes and given reservation. Lawmaking should be done if necessary.

Certificate must be produced

Orphans belonging to SC, ST and OBC categories should be given reservation in their respective categories. Orphans who do not know which category they belong to should be included in the general category. It should be decided to give reservation to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs within the reservation percentage.

Reservation should be based on a certificate stating that he/she is an eligible orphan. A revenue officer should be appointed to issue such a certificate. Apart from the certificate of the Child Welfare Committee, the Revenue Officer should make his own inquiry and ascertain the facts. Being an orphan, no factors like parents' occupation and income from land should be considered. Hence, the creamy layer is not applicable, says the report.