EWS Full Form
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) is a term used to describe a group of people who are at the bottom of the economic ladder and are unable to afford basic necessities such as food, housing, and education. The term has gained significant importance in India as it is now used to define a section of society that is entitled to various welfare schemes and benefits.
The Indian government launched the EWS reservation scheme in January 2019, which provides 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for economically weaker sections of the society. The scheme was introduced as an amendment to the Indian Constitution, which allows for the reservation of seats for backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.
The EWS category has been defined as those households with an annual income of up to Rs. 8 lakh. The criteria for identification of beneficiaries under the scheme are based on factors such as income, landholding, and occupation. The government has also set up a National EWS Development Corporation to provide loans to the EWS for setting up businesses and to facilitate skill development.
The EWS scheme is a step towards ensuring social justice and equality, but its implementation has been fraught with challenges. One of the key challenges is the identification of eligible beneficiaries. There have been concerns that the scheme may benefit those who are not economically weaker but have manipulated their income and other criteria to be eligible for the benefits.
Another challenge is the lack of infrastructure to support the scheme. The government needs to ensure that there are enough educational institutions and jobs available to meet the increased demand from the EWS category. The government also needs to address the issue of discrimination against EWS candidates in the job market, as there have been instances where employers have rejected EWS candidates due to their social and economic status.
In conclusion, the EWS scheme is a positive step towards ensuring social justice and equality in India. However, the government needs to address the challenges in its implementation and ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the intended beneficiaries. The EWS scheme, if implemented effectively, has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people by providing them with access to education and employment opportunities.