06-June-2025 Daily Answer Writing
Q1) Critically examine the need for revisiting the EWS quota criteria in light of recent legal and public scrutiny.(GS2, 15 Marks, 250 words)
Answer:
Introduction:
The Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota, introduced via the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, provides 10% reservation for the economically poor among the unreserved category. Recent debates have emerged around its income cap and asset criteria.
Issues with Current Criteria:
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Arbitrary income limit: ₹8 lakh ceiling is not based on any empirical poverty line or income survey.
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Exclusion logic: Those already covered under SC/ST/OBC reservations are excluded irrespective of income.
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Asset clause mismatch: Agricultural land or housing ownership is regionally varied and misrepresents actual economic vulnerability.
Judicial Concerns:
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The Supreme Court in Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India upheld the amendment but left scope for future review based on socio-economic data.
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Rising litigations reflect gaps in inclusivity and fairness.
Policy Way Forward:
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Reassess criteria: Include dynamic poverty measures, such as consumption and regional CPI-adjusted thresholds.
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Transparent data: Base eligibility on NSSO and SECC data.
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Avoid duplicity: Create overlaps with existing poverty alleviation schemes rather than parallel reservations.
Conclusion:
EWS quota is a step toward social justice beyond caste, but its sustainability and fairness depend on evidence-based revisions to criteria.
Read More – 05 June 2025 : Daily Answer Writing
