New Delhi : The Central Government has clarified that the objective of the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation policy is to extend reservation benefits to economically weaker persons who are not covered under the existing reservation schemes for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs).
The information was shared by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B. L. Verma in a written reply to Lok Sabha MP Vijay Baghel.
The Minister informed the House that the Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019 inserted Articles 15(6) and 16(6) into the Constitution, enabling up to 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections in admissions to educational institutions and appointments to civil posts and services.
The reply further stated that persons whose family’s gross annual income is below ₹8 lakh are eligible to be identified as EWS, provided they are not covered under the existing reservation schemes for SCs, STs and SEBCs.
However, irrespective of income, a person will not be eligible for EWS reservation if the family owns or possesses:
- Five acres or more of agricultural land;
- A residential flat of 1,000 square feet or more;
- A residential plot of 100 square yards or more in notified municipalities; or
- A residential plot of 200 square yards or more in areas other than notified municipalities.
Regarding the implementation of the EWS reservation policy in Chhattisgarh, the Government informed Parliament that, according to information received from the State Government, The Chhattisgarh Public Services (Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes) (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which includes provisions for EWS reservation, has not yet been approved. Consequently, the EWS reservation policy has not been implemented by the State Government.
Replying to a question on whether the Government is considering any review or amendment to the existing EWS reservation provisions, the Minister said that no such proposal is currently under consideration in the Ministry.