The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in India is for people who make less than 8 lakh rupees a year. They don’t fit into the ST/SC/OBC groups that already get special benefits. The government gave them 10% more seats in schools and jobs.
In January 2019, India passed a bill for the EWS. It gives 10% more seats in schools and jobs to those who earn less. This bill got Rs.4315.15 crore to make it happen in India.
What is the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in India?
The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in India includes people and families with less than ₹8 lakh (US$9,600) a year. They are not in the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC) groups. This EWS reservation helps those who are not well off in the general group. It adds to the 50% already set aside for SC/ST/OBC groups.
Definition and Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for EWS, a family’s yearly income must be under ₹8 lakh. They can’t be in the SC/ST/OBC (Central list) or Most Backward Classes (MBC) in Tamil Nadu. Also, they can’t have more than 5 acres of farm land, a big house over 1,000 square feet, or a big plot in cities or towns.
Distinction from Other Reserved Categories
The EWS quota is different from SC/ST/OBC reservations. It focuses on economic need, not just caste or community. This 10% EWS quota was added in 2019. It helps those in the general group who are really struggling to get into education and government jobs.
| Reservation Category | Percentage of Reservation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
“The EWS quota aims to address income and educational disparity issues in India by providing opportunities in higher education institutions and government jobs.”
The 103rd Constitutional Amendment for EWS Reservation
Historical Background and Rationale
On January 7, 2019, the Union Council of Ministers approved a 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in the unreserved category. This was made possible through the Constitution (One Hundred and Third amendment) Bill, 2019. It was passed by both houses of the Parliament and got the President’s assent on January 12, 2019.
The main reason for this change was to help those who are not covered by current reservations. These include Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). It aimed to give more support and chances to those who are economically disadvantaged in the general category.
Here are some key points about the 103rd Constitutional Amendment:
- The 10% reservation was given to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in Central Government-run and private educational institutions, and for Central Government jobs.
- The quota is for those with an annual gross household income of up to ₹8 lakh (US$9,600).
- Those with more than 5 acres of agricultural land, a house over 1,000 square feet, a plot over 100 yards in a notified area, or 200 yards in a non-notified area are not eligible.
- People from communities with existing reservations like SC, ST, and the non-creamy layer of OBC are not eligible for the EWS reservation.
- The Constitutional Amendment started on January 14, 2019.
The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, gave a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in India. This was added to the existing reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. Now, 49.5% of seats in education and public appointments in India are reserved. This includes 15% for Scheduled Castes, 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes, and 27% for Other Backward Classes.
The Supreme Court of India supported the 103rd constitutional amendment. This increased the total reservation to 59.5% in central institutions. Many states, like Gujarat and Telangana, have also started the 10% reservation policy.
The 103rd Constitutional Amendment has sparked a lot of debate and legal challenges. Over 20 petitions were filed saying it goes against the right to equality. The Supreme Court heard the case for many days in 2019. They decided to send it to a five-judge bench on August 5th, 2020. On November 7th, 2022, the Supreme Court made a ruling in a 3:2 split. They said the 103rd Amendment and EWS Reservations are okay.
The 124th Constitution Amendment Bill in India gives 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in the general category for higher education and government jobs. This bill will help a lot of upper castes, like Brahmins, Rajputs, Jats, Marathas, Bhumihars, and trading castes such as Kapus and Kammas.
Provisions of the EWS Reservation
10% Quota in Educational Institutions and Government Jobs
The 103rd Constitutional Amendment changed Articles 15(6) and 16(6). It added a 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in jobs and schools. This is on top of the 50% already set aside for SC, ST, and OBC groups.
This new rule helps those who are not well off in the general category. They were not getting any special help before. Now, they have a chance to get better jobs and education.
| Key Provisions of the EWS Reservation | Details |
|---|---|
| Reservation Percentage | 10% in government jobs and educational institutions |
| Eligibility Criteria |
|
| EWS Certificate |
Required to get the EWS reservation, given by officials like District Magistrate or Sub-Divisional Officer. |
| Implementation |
The EWS rule started for jobs posted after 1st February 2019. Ministries must keep track of EWS in jobs from January 2020. |
The ews quota in education and ews quota in government jobs through the provisions of ews reservation is a big step. It aims to lessen economic gaps. It gives equal chances to the less fortunate in the general category in India.
“The 103rd Constitutional Amendment provides for 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of the society in admissions to educational institutions and appointments to public employment.”
Eligibility Criteria for EWS Certificate
To get an EWS certificate in India, you must meet certain income and asset rules. Your family’s yearly income should be under ₹8 lakh. Also, your family can’t have more than 5 acres of farm land, a big house, or a large plot of land.
Income Limit and Asset Ownership Conditions
Here are the main rules for an EWS certificate:
- Your family’s yearly income must be less than ₹8 lakh.
- Your family can’t own more than 5 acres of farm land.
- You can’t have a house bigger than 1000 sq ft.
- Your family’s land in a city can’t be over 100 square yards, or 200 square yards elsewhere.
Definition of ‘Family’ in EWS Reservation
For EWS reservation, ‘family’ means the person applying, their parents, siblings under 18, spouse, and kids under 18. This makes sure the whole household’s economic status is looked at.
Applying for an EWS certificate means showing your income and what you own. It takes about 21 days to get the certificate. Schools and government groups check the income and asset papers you submit through the certificate office.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Annual Family Income | Less than ₹8 lakh |
| Agricultural Land Ownership | Not more than 5 acres |
| Residential Flat Size | Not more than 1000 sq ft |
| Residential Plot Size (Notified Municipality) | Not more than 100 sq yards |
| Residential Plot Size (Other Areas) | Not more than 200 sq yards |
The EWS quota helps fix problems of unfairness in education and income. It gives chances to those with little money, no matter their caste or group. This makes sure the EWS process is fair and open. It helps those in need and supports growth for everyone in India.
Process of Obtaining an EWS Certificate
To get an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate in India, you can go to the Tehsildar, District Magistrate, or Collector’s office. You can also apply at Common Service Centers (CSCs). You need to fill out the EWS application form and provide the needed documents.
Documents Required for EWS Application
Here are the documents you need for an EWS certificate:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Income certificate
- Bank statement
- Land ownership proof
- Domicile certificate or residential proof
- Self-declaration or affidavit
The EWS certificate is for those with an annual income of Rs. 8 lakhs or less. You can’t own more than five acres of land or a house bigger than 100 square feet. The certificate is good for one year. Applying costs between ₹50 to ₹100, based on the state.
You can apply for an EWS certificate online. Just give your personal details, income info, and upload your documents. It usually takes up to 21 days to process your application.
For more info on how to apply for ews certificate or what documents you need, check government websites or talk to local authorities.
“The EWS certificate gives a 10% reservation in government jobs and higher education in India for economically weaker sections.”
Implementation of EWS Reservation Across States
The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation was started in 2019. It gives 10% of government jobs and places in schools to those in the general category who earn less and have fewer assets. The rules for EWS reservations are the same everywhere in the country. But, how these rules work can change from state to state.
Many states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat have taken up the EWS quota. But, Kerala has made its EWS rules stricter. They now need a lower income and own fewer assets.
The EWS reservation helps fight economic inequality. It gives more chances for jobs and education to those not in SC, ST, or OBC groups. This way, the government wants to make society more fair and open for everyone.
| State | EWS Criteria |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Annual family income below ₹8 lakh, land ownership below 5 acres, residential flat below 1000 sq ft |
| Bihar | Annual family income below ₹8 lakh, land ownership below 5 acres, residential flat below 1000 sq ft |
| Kerala | Annual family income below ₹4 lakh, land ownership below 2.5 acres, residential flat below 1000 sq ft |
| Uttar Pradesh | Annual family income below ₹8 lakh, land ownership below 5 acres, residential flat below 1000 sq ft |
States are working hard to make sure everyone has the same chances. As the EWS reservation changes, we need to watch how it helps people. We must make sure it really helps those it’s meant for.
“The EWS reservation is a big step towards a fairer and more open India. It gives a chance to those who are not well off in the general category. This can help them get better jobs and education.”
Kerala’s Revised EWS Criteria
In 2019, Kerala changed its rules for the EWS scheme. After a report by a panel, the state changed the EWS rules.
The new rules say a family must earn less than ₹4 lakh a year. They also can’t have more than 2.5 acres of land in some areas. The size of their home plot also has limits.
The EWS certificate in Kerala gives a 10% job and education chance to those in need. To get it, a family’s income must be under Rs 8 lakh.
The EWS certificate has rules about what you can own. For example, no more than five acres of land or a big house. These rules help show if someone is really in need.
Applying for the EWS certificate in Kerala needs many documents. You’ll need things like your Aadhaar Card and bank statements.
The process is mostly done offline. You must send your documents to the revenue department for check.
The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) gives 10 percent jobs to EWS. The state also adds 10 percent more seats in courses like engineering and medicine for EWS.
“The PSC reserves 10 percent of government jobs for EWS out of the 50 percent reserved for the general category.”
To be eligible for EWS in Kerala, your family’s income must be under Rs 4 lakh. You also can’t get benefits from other reservation schemes. The rules also limit land ownership in different areas.
EWS Reservation and the Maratha Community in Maharashtra
In June 2021, the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra made a big change. They said the Maratha community could get benefits from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota. This was a big deal because the Maratha community had asked for their own special reservation for a long time.
They wanted a special spot, leading to the Maratha reservation movement. Now, they can get economic help instead of just caste-based help.
Later, the Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra passed a bill. This bill gives a 10% reservation to the Maratha community in schools and jobs. This is more than the usual 50% limit, meeting a big demand from the Maratha people.
Reports say Marathas take up 85% of the EWS quota in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC) suggested a 10% reservation for Marathas. They looked at their social and economic status.
The Supreme Court in 2021 said the Maratha reservation was “unconstitutional.” This caused a lot of debate. Prakash Ambedkar called the decision “intellectually corrupt and unsustainable.” He worried about how it would affect moving up in society and the idea of equal rights.
There was a big debate about using the economy as a way to help people. Prakash Ambedkar was unsure about changing the Constitution without clear reasons from the Supreme Court.
The High Court made a big ruling. They said it was okay for Maratha candidates to join the EWS category. This was to fix the problems they faced after the Supreme Court took away their special reservation.
The issue of Maratha reservation in Maharashtra has been a big deal. The State government’s actions now offer the community a way to get economic help through the EWS quota.
Impact and Implications of EWS Reservation
The EWS reservation in India has brought big changes. It helps those who are economically weak, not just by caste. This move aims to fight poverty, lack of money, and joblessness. It also looks at the old caste-based issues.
Addressing Economic Disadvantage Beyond Caste
This new reservation helps more people than before, focusing on class, not just caste. It has slowed down protests like the Jat and Patidar ones. People now have another way to get ahead.
But, some say this new reservation isn’t as good as the old ones. It doesn’t offer the same perks like age or fee cuts. The old reservations for certain groups still get more benefits.
The Supreme Court backed this new reservation. It means help is now for more people who are struggling financially. But, there are worries about how it affects fairness, equality, and the reasons behind it.