On November 7th, 2022, the Supreme Court of India reaffirmed the legality of the 103rd Amendment Act, 2019. This act introduced a significant change: a 10% reservation in education and government positions in India for a segment of the General category candidates. The decision by the constitutional bench, made by a 3:2 majority, solidified this amendment’s standing.
The Parliament amended the Constitution of India in January 2019, enacting a 10% reservation in education and government jobs for a subset of the General category candidates. However, this amendment faced challenges questioning the constitutional validity of economic reservations. Consequently, the concept of EWS certificate frequently surfaces in news discussions, especially within the broader discourse on reservations, making understanding topics like EWS reservations crucial from the perspective of exams like the IAS.
Exploring EWS Reservation: Criteria and Eligibility
EWS reservation, EWS certificate, and associated criteria hold paramount importance, particularly for aspirants navigating the UPSC exam landscape. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
EWS Reservation Criteria:
The government has instituted a 10% EWS reservation for general category candidates falling outside any existing reservations (OBC, SC, ST, PH, and Ex-servicemen criteria). This reservation is specifically for economically backward sections. Let’s delve into the specifics of the EWS criteria:
- General Category: Candidates not covered under SC, ST, or OBC reservations.
- Income Threshold: Gross annual family income should not exceed Rs. 8 lakhs, encompassing all revenue sources such as agriculture, salary, and business, for the financial year preceding the exam application.
- Property Ownership: Families should not possess agricultural land exceeding 5 acres, residential flats over 1000 square feet, or residential plots exceeding 100 square yards (in notified municipalities) or 200 square yards (elsewhere).
Understanding ‘Family’ in EWS Reservation Rules
For EWS reservation purposes, ‘family’ comprises:
- The applicant
- Parents
- Siblings below 18 years
- Spouse and children below 18 years
Aggregate land or property owned by the family across various locations undergoes assessment to ascertain EWS category eligibility, as per IAS Notification guidelines.
Application Process for EWS Reservations
Procuring an EWS certificate necessitates engagement with local government authorities, typically the Tehsil office. This certificate, known as an ‘Income and Assets Certificate,’ serves as the requisite proof for availing EWS category reservation.
Contrary to online methods, obtaining an EWS certificate mandates physical presence at the Tehsil or relevant government office. Alongside requisite documents like Aadhar Card, PAN card, and bank statements, applicants must furnish the Income and Assets Certificate, available for download from government portals. The certificate’s issuance involves document verification by designated government officers, accepting certificates exclusively from authorized authorities like District Magistrates, Revenue Officers, and Sub-Divisional Officers.
FAQ: Clarifying EWS Certificate and Reservation Queries
Q1: Do EWS candidates receive age and attempt relaxations? A: No, EWS candidates are entitled solely to the 10% quota; existing IAS exam eligibility conditions, including age limit and attempt criteria, apply uniformly.
Q2: Is EWS reservation criteria consistent nationwide? A: While the Central Government sets EWS criteria, states retain autonomy in income cut-offs. However, for national exams like UPSC 2024, centrally-prescribed cut-offs prevail.
Q3: Who qualifies for EWS reservation? A: EWS encompasses individuals from the Economy Based Un-Reserved Category, with family incomes below ₹8 lakh, excluding SC/ST/OBC categories nationwide.
Q4: How many seats are reserved for EWS? A: A 10% reservation is earmarked for EWS among general category candidates.
Q5: Is EWS reservation exclusive to the general category? A: Yes, EWS quota is specifically for general category candidates.
Q6: What are the advantages of EWS quota? A: The EWS quota enhances employment prospects by allocating 10% reservation in educational institutions and civil services for individuals meeting income criteria.
Q7: How does one claim EWS quota? A: EWS reservation requires an Income and Asset Certificate issued by a Competent Authority in the prescribed format as proof.
Q8: Can EWS candidates switch to general seats in UPSC? A: No, EWS candidates, except those recommended on General Merit, cannot change their category post-result declaration.
Distinguishing EWS and OBC Reservations
While OBC reservations target the non-creamy layer segment, securing a 27% reservation, EWS reservations cater to economically backward sections of the general category, offering a 10% seat allocation. Notably, EWS applicants undergo a separate, lower cut-off, akin to OBC, SC, and ST candidates, with no relaxations in age limits or attempt criteria. Additionally, the treatment of family income differs, with EWS calculations incorporating spousal income, unlike OBC reservations.
