In recent years, the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) has become a significant category in India, offering special reservations in education and government jobs. This classification was introduced to support individuals and families from the economically weaker strata of society who do not fall under the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories. The goal is to promote economic and social equality by providing opportunities to those who are financially disadvantaged. This blog will help you understand the full form of EWS, its eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to obtain an EWS certificate.
EWS Full Form
EWS full form is Economically Weaker Section which refers to individuals or families whose annual income and assets fall below a certain threshold set by the Indian government. Unlike other reserved categories like SC/ST/OBC, which are based on social and educational disadvantages, EWS is solely based on economic criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Economically Weaker Section category, applicants must meet specific criteria related to income and assets. These conditions help in identifying families and individuals who need economic support.
1. You must belong to the General category, meaning you cannot be from the SC/ST/OBC categories that already receive reservations. In Tamil Nadu, this also includes the MBC category.
2. Your family’s annual income should be less than ₹8 lakhs. If your family earns more than ₹8 lakhs per year, you won’t be considered for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS).
3. If your family owns agricultural land, it should be less than 5 acres.
4. If your family owns a flat, it should be smaller than 1,000 square feet.
Benefits of EWS
The Economically Weaker Section category provides several key benefits to help improve access to education, government jobs, and financial support. These include:
1. Educational Benefits:
Reservation in educational institutions: EWS students are eligible for 10% reservation in government and private educational institutions, including schools and colleges.
Scholarships and fee concessions: Many universities and colleges offer fee waivers or scholarships for students from the EWS category.
2. Government Schemes:
EWS individuals can access various government schemes, such as housing and welfare programs designed to alleviate poverty and provide financial support.
3. Employment Opportunities:
There is a 10% reservation in government jobs under the EWS category, helping individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to secure employment.
EWS Certificate
The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate is a crucial document that allows individuals to claim EWS benefits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining the certificate:
Application Process:
The process for applying for an EWS certificate can be done either online or offline, depending on the state.
Online Process:
1. Visit the official portal of your state (e.g., Seva Sindhu for Karnataka, MahaOnline for Maharashtra).
2. Create an account and log in using your details.
3. Select the EWS Certificate option from the services list.
4. Fill out the application form with accurate details regarding income, assets, and family information.
5. Upload the required documents (listed below).
6. Apply and note down the acknowledgment number to tracking the status.
Offline Process:
1. Visit the local Tehsil or Revenue Office or the nearest CSC (Common Service Center).
2. Collect the EWS application form.
3. Fill out the form with your details and attach photocopies of the required documents.
4. Submit the form along with the originals for verification.
5. The certificate is usually issued within 721 days after verification.
Validity:
The EWS certificate is generally valid for one year from the issued date. You need to renew it annually to continue receiving the benefits.
Controversies & Concerns
Despite its benefits, the EWS category has sparked some debates and controversies:
Criticism of EWS
Some argue that the income limit of ₹8 lakhs for EWS is too high and includes individuals who may not be truly economically disadvantaged. This has led to debates over whether the criteria should be stricter to ensure that only the genuinely needy benefit from the reservation.
Impact on Other Categories
The introduction of the 10% EWS reservation has raised concerns about its impact on other reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC), which already have fixed quotas in education and jobs. Critics argue that the reservation system may lead to reduced opportunities for other groups if the overall percentage of reservations continues to increase.
EWS in Kannada (ಎಕನಾಮಿಕಲಿ ವೀಕರ್ ಸೆಕ್ಷನ್)
In Karnataka, EWS is referred to as ಆರ್ಥಿಕವಾಗಿ ದುರ್ಬಲ ವರ್ಗಗಳು (Aarthikavagi Durbala Vargagalu), and the state government has introduced various schemes to support those under the EWS category. People applying for EWS certificates in Karnataka can do so through the Seva Sindhu portal or at the local revenue office.
Also Read: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
Conclusion
The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) is a vital category designed to promote financial and social equality by providing reservation benefits in education, government jobs, and various government schemes. By understanding the eligibility criteria and benefits of EWS, eligible individuals can make use of these opportunities to improve their financial and educational standing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the benefits of EWS?
A. EWS (Economically Weaker Section) candidates receive 10% reservation in government jobs, educational institutions, and other benefits.
Q. What is EWS eligibility?
A. To qualify for EWS, the applicant’s family income should be below ₹8 lakh annually, and they must not own significant assets like large land holdings or luxury properties.
Q. What is the economically weaker section bill?
A. The EWS Bill refers to the constitutional amendment that provides a 10% reservation for the economically weaker sections in education and government employment.
Q. Who lies in the EWS category?
A. Individuals from general categories with family incomes below ₹8 lakh per year and meeting specific asset criteria fall under the EWS category.
Q. What is the new amendment of EWS?
A. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment introduced a 10% reservation for the EWS in government jobs and educational institutions, implemented in 2019.
Q. WHO recommended EWS?
A. The Government of India proposed and implemented the EWS reservation system; it was not recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
