In a tough situation of high competition, it is almost close to impossible to crack a government job, especially for the General (Un-Reserved) Category candidates. While candidates from other Categories (SC, ST and OBC) have a different quota which help them in qualifying the Preliminary and Mains Exams with ease due to low cut-off. The Un-Reserved (UR) category candidates has always to score as high as to crack the exams. Again, it has been a rule in India, that in case of any vacancy under the Government, the posts are always reserved for the backward classes, like for OBC 27%, SC 15% and for ST 7.5%. In perspective of the forth coming elections and understanding the problems of the unemployment in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to reserve a major of 10% of the total posts (vacancies) in behalf of the Un-Reserved category.
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What is EWS ?
It has been declared by the Central Government recently that 10% reservation quota for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among General Category candidates in government jobs and educational institutions will be facilitated. However, many are unsure about the EWS Reservation Eligibility.
The central government has already started implementing the EWS scheme and if you are still unaware of the facility, then just go through this article. Here you will know how to get benefit from the all new EWS in applying for government jobs.
This EWS quota can be applied to the seats in Government Jobs (like IAS, IPS, Railways etc) and Government institutes (like the IIMs and IITs).
What are the Eligibility Criteria for EWS ?
As the name suggests, the EWS quota is applicable for only Economically Weaker Section candidates, based on the income and assets of your family.
The eligibility criteria for EWS are as follows.
General Category (UR)
The newly launched 10% EWS reservation quota is applicable only for the General Category candidates. As other category candidates already have reservation benefits : OBC (27%), SC (15%), and ST (7.5%). This is indeed a good initiative taken by the Government which will provide a bit relaxation to the candidates from General Category.
Total Family Income Should be Less Than Rupees 8 Lakhs
Being from the General (Un-Reserved) category is not the only option, but you should be Economically weaker, in the sense, your total family income should be less than Rupees Eight Lakh (Rs 8,00,000).
The sources of income may include every sources i.e. salary, agriculture, business, profession, etc. for the financial year prior to the year of application.
The term “Family” for this purpose will include the person who seeks the benefit of reservation, his/her parents and siblings below the age of 18 years as also his/her spouse and children below the age of 18 years.
Agricultural Land Owned Should Be Less Than 5 Acres
Simple, if your family posses agricultural land less than 5 Acres in area, then you are eligible for the EWS quota.
Residential Flat owned should be less than 1000 sq. ft.
The government has mentioned in the conditions that the resident apartment you are living in with your family should not acquire more than 1000 sq. ft. If you don’t, you are eligible for the EWS quota.
Residential Plot Notified Should be of less than 100 sq. yards
In order to get benefits under the EWS quota, your family should not own or possess a residential plot of area 100 sq.yards or more in notified municipalities.
The property held by a “Family” in different locations or different places/cities would be clubbed while applying the land. or property holding test to determine EWS status.
What about the EWS under the State Government ?
Even if the EWS come under the Central Government, it has set the above mentioned cut-off to be eligible for the EWS quota. The center has also given power to all the states to decide and set their own cut-off as per their convenience.
How to Claim the EWS quota benefit ?
If you are eligible for the EWS quota and want to get the benefit of the EWS, all you need to do is to obtain an “Income and Asset Certificate” from the concerned government authority (Eg: Tehsildar or Regional Tehsildar).
The benefit of reservation under EWS can be availed upon production of an Income and Asset Certificate issued by a Competent Authority.
From Where to issue the Income and Asset Certificate?
All the eligible candidates has to get the Income and Asset Certificate for EWS quota. The Income and Asset certificate produced under the signature and seal of he following gadget officers is acceptable.
District Magistrate
Additional District Magistrate
Collector
Deputy Commissioner
Additional’ Deputy Commissioner
1st Class Stipendiary 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
Sub-Divisional Officer or the area where the candidate and/or his family normally resides.
How to Issue the Income and Asset Certificate ?
The Income and Asset certificate may be issued by submitting the Income and Asset form in any of the above mentioned offices. The Officer will carefully verify all the documents and will issue the certificate accordingly.
Is there any other benefit ?
No, there is no such other benefits like relaxation of age, exemption of fees as those are for the tribes and obc. Only 10% reservation for economically weaker section under the UR and that’s all.
Though there was such a proposal initially, no such relaxations are so far allowed.
So, What Finally is EWS ?
Next time you apply for any type of Government Examinations, just do apply with the EWS quota. In each of the application form, there will be an option to choose from the category you are applying for. If you are a candidate from General category (Un-Reserved) with Economically Weak Background, just choose the EWS option.
Produce the “Income and Asset certificate” from the concerned officer which will be asked while filling the online application form under the EWS quota.
It was very hard to crack the exams for the Un-Reserved candidates as there were seats reserved for the backward communities and General Category candidates had no chance. But with 10% reservations provided, this time it will have more chance.
Also, persons whose family owns or possesses any of the following assets shall be excluded from being identified as EWS, irrespective of the family income:
5 acres of agricultural land and above;
A residential flat of 1000 sq ft. and above;
A residential plot of 100 sq. yards and above in notified municipalities;
A residential, plot of 200 sq. yards and above in areas other than the notified municipalities.
If you are a deserving candidate to be considered under the EWS quota – don’t miss the benefits provided by the government for Economically Weaker Sections. If the concerned Tehsildar or authorities is/are ignorant about the EWS provisions, show him/her the new EWS rules, and ask for the EWS certificate.