This is an EWS (Economically Weaker section) certificate that is issued by The state to help citizens who are financially challenged. The certificate is useful to such qualified persons, enabling them to facilitate seclusion in the world of jobs, schools and other governmental schemes e.t.c. In this article, we will discuss the EWS, its qualification requirements, and the in-depth method of applying for an EWS.
The EWS is a kind of reservation certificate which is given to the people who do not belong to any caste or community but are included within the Economically Weaker Section. This reservation policy came into effect in the year 2019 labelling 10% reservations to EWS candidates for the government jobs, educational institutions and other public sector services in India.
| Category | Details |
| Full Form | Economically Weaker Section |
| Introduced | 2019 |
| Eligibility | General category individuals who fall within the income criterion |
| Reservation Quota | 10% in government offices, educational institutions and schemes |
An EWS proves to be an asset due to numerous factors especially with regards to the reserved seats and chances that are offered to every category other than the general candidates. Important benefits of a EWS include the following:
These benefits are targeted towards enhancing the status of the people from the General Category who are financially weaker sections.
EWS certificates being the topic of the day and their application processes and procedures in the next paragraphs, let us first consider the EWS eligibility. The following are terms and conditions to be met to obtain EWS:
| Income criteria : | |
| Family Annual Income | Less than ₹8 lakhs per annum |
| Ownership of Land | Less than 5 acres of agricultural land |
| Home Ownership | Residential Property Less than 1000 sq. ft. of residential property |
| Ownership of Land for Non-Metro Residents | A residential plot not exceeding 100 sq. yards. |
| Ownership of Land in Metropolitan Regions | Residential plot not more than 200 sq. yards in metropolitan cities |
Note: All sources of income including income from employment, business, agriculture etc, for the last financial year prior to the year in which the application is made, cannot be less than that figure.
On deciding to apply for EWS, it must be accompanied by some medications specific to the entitlement sought. Below is an enumeration of most common documents to be submitted.
| Document | Purpose |
| Income Certificate | To confirm that the family income does not exceed ₹8 lakhs per annum |
| Affidavit/Self Declaration | Claims with respect to ownership of property and family income |
| Residential Proof | For address verification |
| Aadhar Card | As proof of identity |
| Caste Certificate (if applicable) | Proving the status of a General Caste |
| Passport-size Photographs | Needed for the application form. |
There is a detailed process on how to get an EWS. In the following, you might find a consistent narrative regarding the steps of applying for EWS procedures:
You can access the EWS application form over the net from the concerned state government or personally get it from the District Collector or the Tahsildar office.
Complete the application form with the essential information. Ensure to give family income, land holding information and other related data correctly.
After the form is ready, do not forget to enclose the above-mentioned documents that were already specified (for example: income, address, identity proof, etc.).
They should fill the application form and affix signatures wherever required and submit the application with all the attachments to the concerned office (revenue office, the office of Tahsildar and so on and also to the municipal office). In some states, online submission of the form is also permissible.
| Mode of Submission | Explanation |
| Offline Submission | Submit to the relevant government authority in person |
| Online Submission | Use the official Internet Platform of your respective state government to source for forms |
The government will check the various details you entered in the form that was filled up. In the course of this verification, your home may be visited and an inspection done for the property owned.
After the entire process of verification is done and your eligibility is established, the EWS certificate shall be issued. Depending on your state, you may be required to go to their office to pick it up or it can be retrieved from their official portal.
| Time Application Undergoes Verification | Usually Between 15 Days and 30 Days | | How the Certificate is Retrieved | Either pick from the office or access it from the designated state portal |
The EWS certificate is, in most cases, valid for one year from the date of issue. If there are any changes in the family’s financial status, that is, if their income rises or they get more assets, the certificate may cease to be accepted.
| Step | Description |
| Step 1 | Obtain the renewal application from the office or website where the original form was obtained. |
| Step 2 | Submit additional documents that show your current financial standing. |
| Step 3 | Submit the renewal application and will be subjected to verifications once again. |
You must renew the certificate every year to be able to access any services related to the EWS.
The EWS certificate functions as an important resource for the socio economic weaker sections of the general category for availing themselves of reservations in government jobs, educational institutions and other welfare measures. Thus, it is also important to know how to apply for an EWS certificate for such applicants. As long as the above steps are adhered to and all the relevant documents submitted, application for EWS certificate will be successful and its benefits enjoyed.
This policy is not only aimed at women but also at the economic deprivation of women. This means the Government wants to create a fair environment so that the economic empowerment of women in India is possible. Hence, qualified candidates should take full advantage of this opportunity in order to better their living standards, education, and job opportunities.
If you fit the criteria, use the steps mentioned earlier to get your EWS certificate which will come with its benefits.
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