EWS Certificate: Meaning, Eligibility, & More

The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) form a part of the Indian society that belongs to an unreserved category, who have an annual family income of less than Rs 8 lakhs. The government presently has reservation benefits for groups of individuals who fall under Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) . The EWS on the other hand fall under the general category with no reservation benefits, making it hard to overcome financial and educational obstacles for individuals.The EWS certificate is an important document for the upliftment of individuals belonging to the unreserved section. It makes breaking down societal, economic, and financial barriers easier with better opportunities. In the blog below, we will discuss more about what is the EWS Certificate, EWS Certificate meaning, its benefits, and how to apply for one. Also read: What is EBC Certificate?

• In 2019, the Government of India passed the Economic Weaker Sections Bill.
• The Economic Weaker Section certificate or EWS Certificate is beneficial for those who need financial support and provides reservation during the application process for government jobs and admission for higher education.
• If you belong to the Economically Weaker Sections in India, you have access to crucial benefits once you pass the eligibility criteria.
• Financial aid, job opportunities, reservations and social upliftment are some of the benefits you get, if you have the Economic Weaker Section certificate.
• You can choose to apply for an EWS certificate both online and offline.
• With limited access to funds and opportunities, the EWS certificate leverages economically disadvantaged individuals to compete on a fairground in society.

In 2019, the Government of India passed the EWS Bill that not only identified financially weaker individuals from the unreserved category, but, implemented a 10% reservation quota for them. Those from the unreserved category, ie., not belonging to ST/SC/OBC after verification are eligible for a 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. Based on their financial status the eligible candidates under EWS can qualify as economically disadvantaged and receive the certificate.Note: As a candidate of the economically weaker section, you are not eligible for any other reservation schemes under the SC, ST, and OBC categories.

EWS Certificate meaning

The EWS certificate is an initiative by the Government to bridge the social and economic gaps within the general category. The Economic Weaker Section certificate is an asset for those who need financial support and some advantages during the application process for government jobs and admission to higher education. In short, the EWS Certificate is beneficial for the economically disadvantaged sections of society to have an equal opportunity to grow and earn a livelihood.

Who issues an EWS Certificate?

Three offices have the power to issue an EWS certificate. Any one of the designated government employees from these offices can issue a certificate:

Here are a few eligibility criteria that are needed, before you can apply for an EWS certificate:

• You belong to the general category, not under any reserved category like SC, ST, or OBC.
• Your annual family income must be less than Rs 8 lakh, as per the previous financial year.
• You should not have more than five acres of agricultural land; in rural areas.
• You must not have a residential property of more than 200 sq. yards, in an urban area.
• Any residential plot owned in a municipal sector must be below 100 sq. yards, and the non-municipality sector must be less than 240 sq. yards.
• If the head of your family is only a woman.
• Your primary income source is manual labour.
• Both parents' education is less than higher secondary.
• You are members of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).

Below are some of the benefits you can avail with an EWS certificate:

You can choose to apply for an EWS certificate both online and offline, depending on the policy of your state government. Here is the procedure to apply for the certificate:

Online application

• Visit the official website of the Revenue department or district portal.
• Select the ‘Revenue Department’ tab.
• Then find and click on the ‘Economic Weaker Section Certificate’ or ‘Income Certificate for EWS’ option.
• Fill the form and upload documents as mentioned.
• Pay an application fee, usually between ₹50 to ₹100, as per your state.
• Submit the form.
• Once your transaction is complete, you will receive a receipt. Save it for future use.

Offline application

• Visit the Revenue Department or district office in your area.
• Ask for an EWS application form.
• Fill out the form and submit copies of your documents as mentioned on the form.
• Pay and save the confirmation receipt.

Verification and approvals will take approximately 21-days. Once complete, you will receive a notification on your registered mobile number or email address, following the approval. Download the EWS certificate from the portal and save it in your file. Also read: Income Certificate: Uses, Importance, Validity, & Impact in India

Documents required will depend from state to state, however, these are a list of basic documents you need to keep handy when submitting the Economic Weaker Section Certificate application form:

• Filled and signed application form.
• Passport size photograph.
• Aadhaar Card
• Voter’s ID/PAN Card
• Income certificate of earning members of the family.
• Asset declaration documents like land deals, property ownership records.
• Bank account statement.
• Domicile certificate or any other document proving your residence in the state.
• Self-attested affidavit.
• Educational certificate, if applicable.

Also read: What is a Caste Certificate?

The EWS Certificate strives to uplift and empower the economically weaker sections of society, especially women. Playing a crucial role in India’s socio-economic development, the government has made education, entrepreneurship, and gender equality more accessible. A simple and convenient mechanism, applying both online and offline is a breeze. If you are eligible for the EWS Certificate, take advantage and utilise the benefits offered by the Government of India designed to improve your everyday life.