The Central Government has stated that the objective of the reservation policy for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) is to provide reservation benefits to economically weaker persons who are not covered under the existing reservation schemes for the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs).

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri B.L. Verma shared the information in a written reply to Shri Vijay Baghel in the Lok Sabha. The House was informed that the Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019 inserted Articles 15(6) and 16(6) into the Constitution, enabling reservation of up to 10 per cent for Economically Weaker Sections in admissions to educational institutions and appointments in civil posts and services.

The written reply further stated that persons whose family has a gross annual income below ₹8.00 lakh are identified as Economically Weaker Sections for the purpose of reservation, provided they are not covered under the existing reservation schemes. However, irrespective of family income, persons whose family owns or possesses five acres or more of agricultural land, a residential flat measuring 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 are excluded from being identified as EWS.

With regard to the implementation of the EWS reservation policy in Chhattisgarh, the House was informed that, as per information received from the State Government, The Chhattisgarh Public Services (Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes) (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which contains a provision for reservation for Economically Weaker Sections, has not yet been approved. Consequently, the EWS reservation policy has not been implemented in the State Government.

Replying to the query regarding any review or amendment to the existing provisions relating to reservation for Economically Weaker Sections, the House was informed that there is no such proposal under consideration in the Ministry.

PR-053/TAR/KV/GA