New Delhi, June 24 -- Children of single mothers from other backward classes should be entitled to OBC certificates irrespective of the parents' marital status, the Centre has told the Supreme Court, adding that it was for the states to initiate the process.

The response of the Centre came on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by retired Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) school teacher Santosh Kumari who questioned the Capital's policy that allowed OBC certificates to be issued to any "paternal blood relative".

The petition sought a nationwide policy to ensure such certificates are issued to children of single mothers belonging to OBC category, regardless of whether they are separated or divorced.

The response filed by the dep...