Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

EWS Reservation | Secure Your Reservation Now

The Compendium of Instructions on Reservation contains provisions that relate specifically to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). These provisions aim to ensure that individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds have access to opportunities for education and employment. For instance, there may be reservation quotas for EWS candidates in certain educational institutions or government jobs. These provisions serve as an important tool in promoting social and economic justice for all.

Reservation for EWSs: Govt of India Direct Recruitment Scheme

Reservation for EWSs not covered under the reservation scheme for SCs/STs/OBCs in respect of direct recruitment in civil posts and services in’ the Government of India

(Updated on 14.10.2022)

F.No.36011/1/2022-Estt.(Res-I)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training Establishment
Estt (Reservation) Division

2. PROVISIONS RELATING TO ECONOMICALLY WEAKER SECTIONS (EWS)

A. GENERAL GUIDELINES

The following instructions are issued in consultation ‘with’ Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Department of Legal Affairs regarding reservation for EWSs not covered under the reservation scheme for SCs/STs/OBCs in respect of direct recruitment in civil posts and services in’ the Government of India.

2. QUANTUM OF RESERVATION

The persons belonging to EWSs who, are not covered under the scheme of reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs shall get 10% reservation in direct recruitment in civil posts and services in the Government of India.

3. EXEMPTION FROM RESERVATION

3.1 “Scientific and Technical” posts which satisfy all the following conditions can be exempted from the purview of the reservation orders by the Ministries/Departments

(i) The posts should be in grades above the lowest grade in Group A of the service concerned.
(ii) They should be classified as “scientific or technical” in terms of Cabinet Secretariat [OM No. 85/11/CF-61(1) dated 28.12.1961], according to which scientific and technical posts for which qualifications in the natural sciences or exact sciences or applied sciences or in technology are prescribed and, the incumbents of which have to use that knowledge in the discharge of their duties.
(iii) The posts should be ‘for conducting research’ or ‘for organizing, guiding and directing research’.

3.2 Orders of the Minister concerned should be obtained before exempting any posts satisfying the above condition from the purview of the scheme of reservation.

4. CRITERIA OF INCOME & ASSETS

4.1 Persons who are not covered under the scheme of reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs and whose family has gross annual income below Rs 8.00 lakh (Rupees eight lakh only) are to be identified as EWSs for benefit of reservation. Income shall also include income from all sources i.e. salary, agriculture, business, profession, etc. for the financial year prior to the year of application.

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:-

i. 5 acres of agricultural land and above;
ii. Residential at of 1000 sq ft. and above;
iii. Residential plot of 100 sq. yards and above in notified municipalities;
iv. Residential, plot of 200 sq. yards and above in areas other than the notified municipalities.

4.2 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.

4.3 The term “Family” for this purpose will include the person who seeks 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.

5. INCOME AND ASSET CERTIFICATE ISSUING AUTHORITY AND VERIFICATION OF CERTIFICATE:

5.1 The benefit of reservation under EWS can be availed upon production of an Income and Asset Certificate issued by a Competent Authority. The Income and Asset Certificate issued ‘by any one of the following authorities in the prescribed format as given in Annexure-I shall only be accepted as proof of candidate’s claim as ‘belonging to EWS:-

(i) 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
(ii) Chief Presidency Magistrate/Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate/ Presidency Magistrate
(iii) Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tehsildar and
(iv) Sub-Divisional Officer or the area where the candidate and/or his family normally resides.

5.2 The Officer who issues the certificate would do the same after carefully verifying all relevant documents following due process as prescribed by the respective State/UT.

5.3 The crucial date for submitting income and asset certificate by the candidate may be treated as the closing date for receipt of application for the post, except in cases where crucial date is fixed otherwise.

5.4 The appointing authorities should, in the offer of appointment to the candidates claiming to be belonging to EWS, include the following clause :-

“The appointment is provisional and is subject to the Income and asset certificate being verified through the proper channels and if the verification reveals that the claim to belong to EWS is fake/false the services will be terminated forthwith without assigning any further reasons and without prejudice to such further action as may be taken under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code for production of fake/false certificate.” The appointing authority should verify the veracity of the Income and asset certificate submitted by the candidate through the certificate issuing authority

5.5 Instructions referred to above should be strictly followed so that it may not be possible for an unscrupulous person to secure employment on the basis of a false claim and if any person gets an appointment on the basis of such false claim, her/his services shall be terminated invoking the conditions contained in the offer of appointment

6. EFFECTING RESERVATION – MAINTENANCE OF ROSTERS:

6.1 Department of Personnel and Training had circulated Office Memorandum No.36012/2/96-Estt(Res) dated July 2, 1997 regarding implementation of post based reservation roster. The general principles for making and operating post based reservation roster would be as per the principles laid down in the said Office Memorandum.

6.2 Every Government establishment shall now recast group-wise post- based reservation roster register for direct recruitment in accordance with format given in Annexure II, III, IV and V, as the case may be, for effecting 10% reservation for EWSs interpolating them with the SCs, STs and OBCs. While fixing roster point, if the EWS roster point coincides with the roster points of SCs/STs/OBCs the next available UR roster point has been allotted to the EWSs and also the principle of “squeezing” has been kept in view. While drawing up the rosters, the cadre controlling authorities may similarly “squeeze” the last points of the roster so as to meet prescribed 10% reservation.

6.3 Where in any recruitment year any vacancy earmarked for EWS cannot be filled up due to non availability of a suitable candidate belonging to EWS, such vacancies for that particular recruitment year shall not be carried forward to the next recruitment year as backlog.

6.4 Persons belonging to EWS selected against the quota for persons with benchmark disabilities/ex-servicemen shall be placed against the roster points earmarked for EWS.

7. ADJUSTMENT AGAINST UNRESERVED VACANCIES:

A person belonging to EWS cannot be denied the right to compete for appointment against an unreserved vacancy. Persons belonging to EWS who are selected on the basis of merit and not on account of reservation are not to be counted towards the quota meant for reservation.

8. FORTNIGHTLY / ANNUAL REPORTS REGARDING REPRESENTATION OF EWS:

The Ministries/Departments shall send single consolidated fortnightly report including their attached/subordinate offices beginning from 15.2.2019 as per format at Annexure-VL

From 01.01.2020, the Ministries/Departments shall upload data on representation of EWSs in respect of posts/services under the Central Government on the URL i.e. www.rrcps.nic.in as on 1st January of every year. All Ministries/Departments have already been provided respective user code and password with guidelines for operating the URL.

9. MAINTENANCE OF REGISTER OF COMPLAINTS BY THE GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHMENT:

9.1 Every Government establishment shall appoint a senior officer of the Department as the Grievance Redressal Officer.

9.2 Any person aggrieved with any matter relating to discrimination in employment against any EWS may file a complaint with the Grievance Redressal Officer of the respective Government establishment. The name, designation and contact details of the Grievance Redressal Officer may be displayed prominently on the website and in the office of the concerned establishment.

10. LIAISON OFFICER:

Ministries/Departments/Attached and Subordinate Offices shall appoint Liaison Officer to monitor the implementation of reservation for EWSs.

11. The above scheme of reservation will be effective in respect of all direct recruitment vacancies to be notified on or after 01.02.2019.

OM No. 36039/1/2019-Estt (Res), dated 31.1.2019

B. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ON RESERVATION TO ECONOMICALLY WEAKER SECTIONS (EWSs) IN POSTS/ SERVICES UNDER CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

FAQs on Property

Question-1. If the land/property (more than threshold limit) is in the name of parents and there are more than one child and the property has not been distributed, then in that situation, can one of the children apply for EWS certificate?

Answer: No. Para 4.2 and 4.3 of said O.M. dated 31.01.2019 provides that 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 and the term ‘Family’ for this purpose will include the person who seeks 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. Property beyond threshold limit tantamount to disqualification for applying to Income and Asset Certificate in respect of any of the children.

Question-2. In case agricultural land/residential flat/plot of parents is located in more than one State/District or within the same State/District, all such land/properties will be clubbed or not?

Answer: Yes. Para 4.2 of said O.M. dated 31.01.2019 provides that, 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. Person can apply for Income and Asset Certificate in the district of his permanent address.

Question-3. Does the residential flat/plot as classified under Para 4.1 of DoPT OM, dated 31.1.2019, includes both commercial and residential property?

Answer: Para 4.1 of the OM, dated 31.1.2019, speaks of residential property. However, exclusion of commercial property will result in injustice. Hence, the definition of residential flat/plot in the OM also includes the commercial property.

Question-4. Will the property of grandparents not distributed among the parents of the applicants be counted towards calculating the assets held by the parents of applicants for the purpose of Income and Asset Certificate?

Answer: No. Grandparent is not a part of a family under para 4.3 of OM dated 31.1.2019.

Question-5. If half of the residential plot, i.e. 90 square yards is in urban area (notified municipalities) and rest 90 square yards is in rural areas (other than the notified municipalities), how will the residential plot be treated?

Answer: It will be 90 square yards in urban area and remaining 90 square yards in rural area. Hence, as laid down in Para 4.1 of OM dated 31.1.2019, it is neither 100 square yards in notified municipalities nor 200 square yards in other than notified municipalities. As such, eligibility will remain for EWS certificate.

Question-6. If the construction of a residential flat/plot is on barren land, does that property come under residential flat or agricultural land?

Answer: If it is a flat, the criteria of Income & Assets applicable for residential flat of 1000 square feet and above as provided in para 4.1(ii) of the O.M. dated 31.1.2019, will apply. If it is a plot, again, the criteria of notified municipality or the area other than the notified municipality will apply as provided in Para 4.1 (iii) and (iv) of the O.M., dated 31.1.2019.

Question-7. What does residential plot mean? How is residential plot measured ?

Answer: Residential plot means a plot for the purpose of construction of residential house irrespective of the fact whether the house has been constructed or not. The entire area of the plot will be taken into account while assessing the eligibility of a candidate to get an Income & Asset Certificate. In this regard, rules/regulations framed by the respective Municipality/Panchayat shall be taken into account.

Question-8. What is the difference between residential flat and residential plot ?

Answer: For the purpose of reservation in the category of EWS, the term ‘Plot’ connotes an independent identity, whereas the term ‘flat’ connotes a number of residential units/dwelling units built on the same plot.

Question-9: If a person has residential flat/plot on agricultural land will that be treated as agricultural land or residential flat/plot ?

Answer: Built up area of the flat and the covered area plus the area left uncovered of the plot (as per rules of Municipality/Panchayats) will be treated as residential area and additional land beyond residential flat / plot, being used for agricultural purpose, may be treated as agricultural land. This will be specifically for the purpose of determination of EWS status and not for any other purpose.

Question-10. In case of residential flat, whether super area (including common area viz, stair case, gardens, roads within the society, as distributed among the flats) or total area of the flat (including brick/pillar area) or carpet area (excluding brick and pillar area) is to be taken into account for computation of the measurement of the flat ?

Answer: Total built up area of the residential unit/flat, including brick/pillar area (excluding staircase area and common area), is to be taken into account for computation of measurement of the flat.

FAQs on Category of Applicant

Question-11. Migrants belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribe(STs), Other Backward Castes(OBCs) in other State where they do not belong to SC, ST and OBC, then in that case, can they apply for EWS reservation?

Answer: As per Para 2 of DoPT O.M. No. 36039/1/2019-Estt.(Res.), dated 31.01.2019, the persons belonging to EWSs who, are not covered under the scheme of reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs shall get 10% reservation in direct recruitment in civil posts and services in the Government of India. Applicants belonging to SC, ST or OBC included in the Central List residing in any of the States/UTs are not eligible for EWS reservation in respect of posts/services of the Government of India.

Question-12. If a person belongs to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in a State list but not in Central List, can he apply for Income and Asset Certificate?

Answer: Para 2 of annexure-I to O.M., dated 31.01.2019, regarding Income & Asset Certificate reads as under:

“Shri/Smt./Kumari _ belongs to the caste which is not recognized as a Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Classes (Central List) …..”.

Therefore, if a person belongs to OBC in a State list but not in Central List, he/she can apply for Income and Asset Certificate for applying to posts and services of the Government of India to avail of EWS reservation subject to fulfilling other conditions, as mentioned in said OM, dated 31.1.2019.

FAQs on vacancies

Question-13. How can the unfilled vacancies of EWS be filled in a recruitment year in case of non-availability of suitable candidates belonging to EWS ?

Answer: As per Pare 6.3 of DoPT OM No. 36039/112019-Estt.(Res.), dated 31.3.2019, where in any recruitment year any vacancy earmarked for EWS cannot be filled up due to non availability of a suitable candidate belonging to EWS, such vacancies for that particular recruitment year shall not be carried forward to the next recruitment year as backlog. A further attempt in the same recruitment year to fill the EWS vacancy is desirable. Thereafter, the unfilled vacancies may be filled up, treating them as unreserved provided it does not result in excess representation in general category beyond the number added on account of non-availability of EWS candidate. If it results in excess representations, it may be diverted to the category in which shortfall exists.

Question-14. Whether EWS reservation is to be calculated on total number of vacancies of cadre strength or current year vacancies.

Answer: EWS reservation should be calculated in accordance with reservation roster as provided in Annexure – II to V of DoPT OM, dated 31.1.2019. EWS reservation is effective in respect of all direct recruitment vacancies to be notified on or after 01.02.2019. Every Government establishment shall recast group-wise post-based reservation roster register for direct recruitment, in accordance with format given in Annexure II, Ill, IV and V of DoPT OM, dated 31.1.2019, as the case may be, for effecting 10% reservation for EWSs interpolating them with the SCs, STs and OBCs. Thereafter, they can see the point which was vacated in the Post Based Roster. The vacancies will, accordingly, go to respective categories. Current vacancies are to be taken into account to distribute vacancies amongst different categories.. .

FAQs on Income

Question-15. Whether money earned through Provided Fund, Gratuity or other pensionary benefits in a particular financial year at the time of retirement will be counted as family income ?

Answer: As per Para 4.1 of DoPT O.M. No. 36039/1/2019-Estt.(Res.), dated 31.01.2019, apart from asset holding test, persons whose family has gross annual income below Rs 8.00 lakh (Rupees eight lakh only) are to be identified as EWSs for benefit of reservation. Income for the purpose shall include income from all sources i.e. salary, agriculture, business, profession, etc. for the financial year prior to the year of application. The income for this purpose will be gross income taken into account for the purpose of Income Tax.

Question-16. Will monthly pension/family pension be counted for family income?

Answer: Yes.

Question-17. Gross salary is Rs.10 Lakh but as per income tax return total income comes out to Rs.6 Lakh. In that case, can a candidate apply for Income and Asset certificate?

Answer: It is always gross salary/gross income.

FAQs on Competent Authorities for issuance of Income & Asset Certificate

Question-18. Can Competent Authorities of different States and Union Territories issue Income and Asset Certificate in different formats?

Answer: No. Prescribed format for Income & Asset Certificate for applying to posts and services under the Government of India has been prescribed vide Annexure-I of DoPT O.M. No. 36039/1/2019-Estt.(Res.-II),dated 31.01.2019.

Hence, it cannot be different for different States/UTs for the purpose of employment under the Central Government.

Question-19. Whether Anchal Adhikari or Naib-Tehsildar is a competent Authority to issue a EWS certificate?

Answer: Anchal Adhikari of any State/UT can issue Income and Asset Certificate, if he/she is not below the rank of Tehsildar or any other equivalent officer(s) as mentioned in Para 5.1 of DoPT OM, dated 31.1.2019, and as notified by the respective State/UT. If the Anchal Adhikari/Naib Tehsildar is below the rank of Tehsildar, they shall not issue Income & Asset Certificate.

FAQs regarding Income & Asset Certificate

Question-20. In case Income and Asset certificate comes out to be a fake/false at a later stage, what will be the next course of action to be followed by the Appointing Authority ?

Answer: Para 5.4 DoPT OM, dated 31.01.2019 provides that the appointing authorities should, in the offer of appointment to the candidates, claiming to be belonging to EWS, include the following clause :-

“The appointment is provisional and is subject to the Income and asset certificate being verified through the proper channels and if the verification reveals that the claim to belong to EWS is fake/false the services will be terminated forthwith without assigning any further reasons and without prejudice to such further action as may be taken under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code for production of fake/false certificate.

The appointing authority should verify the veracity of the Income and asset certificate submitted by the candidate through the certificate issuing authority.”

If the Income & Asset Certificate is found to be fake, the services of the temporarily appointed person shall be done away with.

Question-21. Crucial date for Income & Asset certificate?

Answer: Para 5.3 DoPT OM, dated 31.01.2019, provides that the crucial date for submitting income and asset certificate by the candidate may be treated as the closing date for receipt of application for the post, except in cases where crucial date is fixed otherwise. The crucial date for submission of Income & Asset Certificate (Cutoff date) shall be clearly mentioned in the advertisement published by the recruiting agencies. Income & Asset Certificates issued subsequent to the crucial date and for the later Financial Year shall be treated as major discrepancies. In this regard, the order, dated 18.05.2020 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in SLP(C) No. 426/2021 titled UPSC vs Gaurav Singh &Ors, may be referred to.

Question-22. Requirement of seal/stamp of name and designation of Income & Asset certificate issuing authority of State/UT.

Answer: The authorized certificate issuing authorities in the States/UTs should invariably affix the seal/stamp properly displaying their name and designation on the space earmarked for the purpose in the Income and Asset Certificate (Annexure-I of DoPT OM, dated 31.01.2019).

Question-23. What if the earmarked space of “Valid for the year _”below the certificate no. and date is left blank?

Answer: As per Para 4.1 of DoPT OM No. 36039/1/2019-Estt.(Res.), dated 31.01.2019, Family Gross Annual Income shall be computed for the financial year prior to the year of application. Therefore, if the closing date for receipt of application for a post is 1st August, 2022, the financial year for computing gross annual income of the family shall be 2021-2022 and the certificate shall be valid for 2022-2023. If it is left blank but the income and assets have been calculated for the correct financial year and also indicated in the body of the Income & Asset Certificate, it may be referred back to the certificate issuing authority for confirmation and filling up the validity year in the space earmarked for it. However, neither financial year nor validity year is mentioned in the certificate, it will be treated as a major discrepancies and may invite rejection.

Miscellaneous FAQs

Question-24. What are notified municipalities” and areas falling in ‘other than the notified municipalities’?

Answer: Notified Municipalities means the area under the respective Municipalities, as notified by the respective States/UTs. If any area has not been notified, it will come under the category of the area ‘other than the notified municipalities’.

Question-25. Whether in case of applicants(s) not living with parents or separated by parents, property or income of parents shall be taken into account for computation of family income ?

Answer: As per Para 4.3 of DoPT O.M. No. 36039/1/2019-Estt.(Res.), dated 31.01.2019, The term “Family” for this purpose will include the person who seeks 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. Therefore, no other definition of Family will be allowed. To make it clear, it is stated that whether the children are not living with parents or separated from parents, property/income of parents shall be taken into account for computation of family income.

Question-26. Whether siblings/children of 18 years or above will be counted under the definition of family for EWS reservation?

Answer: No. As per the Para 4.3 of O.M. of DoPT, dated 31.01.2019, the term “Family” will include the person who seeks 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. Therefore, siblings/children of 18 years and above will not be counted under the definition of “Family” for applying to Income and Asset Certificate.

Question-27. What is the maximum time limit to issue the Asset and Income Certificate for EWS after submitting the application?

Answer: The Officer who issues the certificate would do the same after carefully verifying all relevant documents following due process, as prescribed by the respective State/UT and, accordingly, time limit for issuing Income and Asset Certificate is to be decided by the respective State/UT. However, the time limit should be fixed in such a way that it does not harm the interest of the applicants.

Question-28. Whether the benefit of age relaxation and relaxation in number of attempts available to EWS candidates?

Answer: No. The conditions prescribed for General category candidates in matters of Age and Number of attempts, would also apply to EWS candidates.

2. In case any reply, as contained in this FAQ, contradicts any of the provisions made in DoPT OM, dated 31.1.2019, the provisions made in DoPT OM, dated 31.1.2019, shall prevail. The clarification contained in this FAQs shall be effective from the date of issue of this OM and it will not be applicable to the cases settled before the date of issue of this O.M. Further the clarifications are subject to outcome of different cases pending before various Courts on the subject.

3. This FAQs is being issued after having consultation with the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Department of Legal Affairs.

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What is reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)?

Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) is a policy that provides a certain percentage of seats or opportunities in education, employment, and other sectors for individuals from economically weaker backgrounds.

Who is eligible for EWS reservation?

Individuals from the general category who have an annual household income of less than the specified threshold set by the government are eligible for EWS reservation.

What benefits does EWS reservation provide?

EWS reservation provides opportunities and access to education, employment, scholarships, and other government schemes for individuals from economically disadvantaged sections.

How can I avail EWS reservation?

To avail EWS reservation, you need to provide the necessary income and category certificates, as per the guidelines set by the government, during the application process for relevant opportunities or schemes.

Are there any specific criteria for EWS reservation?

Yes, there are specific criteria for EWS reservation, including income limitations, assets owned, and family size, as determined by the government.

Is EWS reservation applicable in all sectors?

EWS reservation is applicable in various sectors, including education, government jobs, public sector undertakings, and other government schemes. However, the extent of reservation may vary depending on the sector and government policies.

Are there any reservations for other categories as well?

Yes, in addition to EWS reservation, there are reservations for scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribes (ST), other backward classes (OBC), and persons with disabilities (PWD) in various sectors. These reservations aim to promote social equity and inclusion.

How is EWS reservation different from other reservations?

While other reservations are based on social backgrounds or caste, EWS reservation is specifically provided based on economic criteria, regardless of the individual’s caste or social status.

Can I get EWS reservation in private institutions?

EWS reservation is primarily applicable to government institutions and schemes. Private institutions may have their own policies for providing financial assistance or scholarships for economically disadvantaged students, but the extent of reservation may vary.