oakveda Logo
  1. Home /
  2. Full Form /
  3. EWS (Economically Weaker Section): Full Form Explained

EWS (Economically Weaker Section): Full Form Explained

Updated on October 5, 2024
Image of author Pragya

By Pragya, Posted

EWS (Economically Weaker Section): Full Form Explained

Table of content

What is the Full Form of EWS?

The full form of EWS is Economically Weaker Section. This term is widely used in India to identify and categorize individuals or households with income below a specified threshold. EWS is a crucial concept in Indian public policy, aimed at addressing economic disparities and promoting social justice.

What is Economically Weaker Section?

Economically Weaker Section refers to a segment of the population that faces financial challenges and requires support from the government to improve their socio-economic status. The EWS category was introduced to provide equal opportunities and representation to economically disadvantaged individuals who do not fall under other reservation categories such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Origin and Development of Economically Weaker Section

The concept of EWS has its roots in the Indian Constitution's commitment to social and economic justice. However, the formal introduction of EWS as a distinct category for reservations came into effect on January 7, 2019, when the Union Cabinet approved a 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Section in government jobs and educational institutions.

This decision was implemented through the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which added clauses to Articles 15 and 16 of the Indian Constitution. The amendment aimed to provide reservation benefits to economically disadvantaged individuals who were not covered under existing reservation policies.

How does Economically Weaker Section work?

The EWS category operates as a reservation system, providing opportunities for individuals from economically weaker backgrounds to access higher education and government employment. Unlike other reservation categories based on caste or tribe, EWS focuses solely on economic criteria to determine eligibility.

To implement the EWS system, state governments issue EWS certificates to eligible individuals. These certificates serve as proof of economic status and allow beneficiaries to avail themselves of the reserved seats or positions in various institutions and government departments.

Functions of Economically Weaker Section

The primary functions of the EWS category include:

  1. Promoting social equity: By providing opportunities to economically disadvantaged individuals, EWS aims to reduce income disparities and promote social mobility.

  2. Enhancing access to education: EWS reservations in educational institutions help talented students from economically weaker backgrounds pursue higher education.

  3. Increasing employment opportunities: The 10% reservation in government jobs opens up new avenues for EWS candidates to secure stable employment.

  4. Addressing economic backwardness: By focusing on economic criteria, EWS addresses the needs of individuals who may not qualify for other reservation categories but still face financial hardships.

Applications of Economically Weaker Section

The EWS category finds applications in various areas of Indian society:

  1. Higher education: Universities and colleges reserve 10% of their seats for EWS candidates, ensuring access to quality education for economically disadvantaged students.

  2. Government recruitment: Central and state government departments allocate 10% of their vacancies to EWS candidates during recruitment processes.

  3. Scholarship programs: Many scholarship schemes specifically target EWS students to provide financial assistance for their education.

  4. Housing schemes: Some states offer affordable housing schemes or preferential allotment to EWS individuals or families.

Features of Economically Weaker Section

Key features of the EWS category include:

  1. Income-based criteria: The primary determinant for EWS eligibility is the annual household income, which should be below Rs. 8 lakh per annum.

  2. Asset limitations: EWS eligibility also considers property ownership and residential area to ensure only genuinely economically weak individuals benefit.

  3. Exclusion of other reserved categories: Individuals belonging to SC, ST, or OBC categories are not eligible for EWS reservations.

  4. Flexible implementation: States have the flexibility to determine their own income and asset criteria for EWS, based on local economic conditions.

Benefits of Economically Weaker Section

The EWS category offers several benefits to eligible individuals:

  1. Educational opportunities: EWS students can access top educational institutions through reserved seats, potentially improving their career prospects.

  2. Employment prospects: The 10% reservation in government jobs enhances employment opportunities for EWS candidates.

  3. Financial assistance: Many government schemes and scholarships target EWS beneficiaries, providing financial support for education and skill development.

  4. Social mobility: By providing access to quality education and employment, EWS reservations can help individuals and families improve their socio-economic status.

Limitations or Challenges of Economically Weaker Section

Despite its benefits, the EWS category faces some challenges:

  1. Implementation issues: Ensuring proper identification and verification of EWS beneficiaries can be challenging for state governments.

  2. Debate over income criteria: The Rs. 8 lakh annual income limit has been criticized as being too high, potentially benefiting relatively well-off families.

  3. Limited seats: The 10% reservation may not be sufficient to address the large number of economically disadvantaged individuals in India.

  4. Legal challenges: The EWS reservation has faced legal scrutiny, with debates over its constitutional validity and impact on existing reservation policies.

FAQs on EWS Full Form

  1. Who is eligible for an EWS certificate? Individuals with an annual household income below Rs. 8 lakh, who do not belong to SC, ST, or OBC categories, and meet specific property ownership criteria are eligible for an EWS certificate.

  2. What documents are required for an EWS certificate? Required documents typically include ID proof, property documents, residential proof, Aadhaar card, a self-declaration form, and passport-size photographs.

  3. Can EWS reservations be combined with other reservation categories? No, EWS reservations are separate from other categories and cannot be combined with SC, ST, or OBC reservations.

  4. How long is an EWS certificate valid? The validity of an EWS certificate may vary by state, but it is generally valid for one year from the date of issue.

  5. Can NRIs apply for EWS certificates? No, EWS certificates are typically issued only to resident Indian citizens who meet the specified criteria.

In conclusion, the full form of EWS – Economically Weaker Section – represents a significant step towards addressing economic disparities in Indian society. By providing opportunities in education and employment, the EWS category aims to promote social equity and uplift economically disadvantaged individuals. While challenges remain in its implementation, the EWS reservation system continues to evolve as an important tool for inclusive growth in India.

You may be interested in: