NEW DELHI: The Central Government has reiterated that the reservation policy for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) is meant to extend reservation benefits to economically disadvantaged persons who are not covered under the existing reservation categories for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs).
The clarification was made by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma in a written reply to a question by Lok Sabha member Vijay Baghel.
The government informed Parliament that the Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019 inserted Articles 15(6) and 16(6) into the Constitution, enabling reservation of up to 10 per cent for EWS candidates in admissions to educational institutions and appointments to civil posts and services.
The Centre said that families with a gross annual income below ₹8 lakh are eligible for EWS reservation, provided they do not fall under the existing SC, ST or SEBC reservation categories. However, certain asset-based exclusion criteria also apply.
Families owning 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 plot of 200 square yards or more in non-notified areas are excluded from EWS eligibility irrespective of their annual income.
On the implementation of EWS reservation in Chhattisgarh, the government informed the Lok Sabha that the Chhattisgarh Public Services (Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes) (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which includes a provision for EWS reservation, has not yet been approved.
As a result, the EWS reservation policy has not been implemented in State Government services in Chhattisgarh.
The Centre also made it clear that there is currently no proposal under consideration to review or amend the existing provisions governing EWS reservation, reaffirming its commitment to continue the policy in its present form.
