The Constitution of India was amended by the Parliament in January 2019 toprovide for a 10% reservation in education and government jobs for a section of the 'general category' candidates falling under the economically weaker section (EWS) category.
On November 7, 2022, the Supreme Courtof India also upheld the validity of the above amendment of the Indian Constitution to allow for reservations to the EWS category.
What is EWS category?
The EWS category is for all those candidates who are not covered under any reservations (such as OBC, SC, ST and except PH and ex-servicemen criteria) and belong to economically backward sections.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the EWS certificate, the below-mentioned conditions need to be satisfied.
The candidate should be a general candidate
The gross annual in come of the candidate's family should be below Rs 8 lakh (including income from all sources such as agriculture, salary, business, etc. for the financial year before applying for the exam
The candidate's family should not own 5acres or more of agricultural land
The candidate's family should not own a residential flat of 1000sq ft or more
The candidate's family should not own a residential plot (in notified municipalities) of 100sq yards or more
The candidate's family should not own a residential plot(other than in notified municipalities) of 200sq yards or more.
Also, the land or property owned by the family in different locations should be clubbed while checkingthe eligibility conditions for EWS reservations.
'Family' according to the EWS reservation rules
The person seeking the reservation
His / her parents
His /her siblings below the age of 18 years
His / her spouse and children below the age of 18 years
Benefits
The EWS category provides for 10% reservation in educational institutions. Further, the reservation also applies to civil posts, civil services and government jobs.
How to apply
The EWS certificate can be obtained from the local tehsil office.The certificate is called an ‘Income and Assets Certificate’, and this is the proof thatis required to avail of the EWS reservation.
Documents needed for verification
Aadhar Card, Pan Card, bank statements, passport size photos, notarised selfdeclaration form and Domicile Certificate.
Issuing authority for EWS category certificate
District magistrate / additional district magistrate / collector / deputy commissioner / additional deputy commissioner /1st class stipendary magistrate / sub-divisional magistrate / taluka magistrate / executive magistrate / extra assistant commissioner / chief presidency magistrate / additional chief presidency magistrate / presidency magistrate
Revenue officer not below the rank of tehsildar and sub-divisional officer of the area where the candidate and his family normally reside.
EWS certificate validity
The EWS certificate is valid for one financial year
