Competent authority to issue certificate

(1) The Government may, by notification, appoint any officer to be the competent authority for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Act. (2) The competent authority may, for the purposes of sections 3 and 4, issue caste identification certificate in terms of Schedule in such manner, as may be prescribed. (3) The competent authority shall exercise such powers and perform such functions, as may be prescribed. (4) The competent authority shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860).