J&K EWS Certificate Controversy Over Regional Assessment
Source: Indian Express
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions, Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, reservation and social justice; GS III: Inclusive growth and issues relating to poverty; Essay: Equity versus equality, Balancing uniform policies with regional diversity
Overview
- The distribution of EWS certificates in Jammu and Kashmir has raised concerns over regional disparities in access to reservation benefits.
- Existing eligibility criteria include income, agricultural landholdings and residential property, which may not adequately reflect regional housing patterns.
- The contrasting distribution of EWS certificates and Antyodaya Anna Yojana benefits highlights the need for reliable, region-specific poverty assessment.
- Transparent eligibility rules, accurate socio-economic data and periodic reviews are essential to ensure equitable access to welfare benefits.
Why in the News?
The distribution of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has triggered a debate over the fairness of poverty assessment criteria and regional disparities in determining eligibility for reservation benefits.
News in Brief
- The J&K government has been asked to examine the alleged regional imbalance in the distribution of EWS certificates and introduce corrective measures if necessary.
- Political leaders have argued that the existing eligibility criteria may disadvantage Kashmir, particularly because of differences in housing patterns and land measurement.
- The debate has highlighted the need to ensure that poverty assessment reflects local socio-economic conditions rather than relying on uniform criteria.
EWS Certificate Distribution in J&K
- J&K issued 26,514 EWS certificates over the last two years, of which 24,058 (91%) went to the Jammu division and only 2,456 to the Kashmir division.
- The regional imbalance has raised concerns about whether the existing eligibility rules adequately reflect the socio-economic conditions of both regions.
EWS Eligibility Criteria
- The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, amended in 2019, introduced a 10% reservation for EWS.
- The eligibility criteria include:
- Annual household income below ₹8 lakh from all sources.
- Agricultural landholding below five acres.
- Exclusion of families owning a house or residential flat of 1,000 square feet or more.
- Exclusion of families owning residential plots above specified limits in notified municipalities and other areas.
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Reservation
- Constitutional basis: The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.
- Articles introduced: Article 15(6) and Article 16(6).
- Purpose: To enable special provisions for economically weaker sections, including reservation in educational institutions and public employment.
- Reservation limit: Up to 10%, in addition to existing reservations, subject to the applicable constitutional and legal framework.
- Supreme Court judgment: In Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (2022), the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the 103rd Amendment by a 3:2 majority.
Regional Differences in Housing and Land Measurement
- Traditional Kashmiri houses are often multi-storeyed, with gardens and open spaces, making the measurement of residential property particularly important.
- Under the existing rules, the area of a multi-storeyed house is measured floor-wise, which may disadvantaged families whose houses have been built vertically because of local geographical and climatic conditions.
- Differences in land measurement also complicate the assessment.
- In J&K, land is commonly measured in kanals, marlas and square feet, while eligibility rules may use other units.
- One marla equals approximately 272 square feet, while one kanal equals 20 marlas.
- One marla equals approximately 272 square feet, while one kanal equals 20 marlas.
Concerns over uniform eligibility rules
- Critics argue that the administration has applied criteria without adequately considering regional differences in housing, land use and socio-economic conditions.
- The debate raises questions about whether property-based criteria alone can accurately identify economically weaker households.
- Political leaders have called for a review of the eligibility norms to prevent genuine beneficiaries from being excluded.
Comparison with Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
- The controversy has also drawn attention to the distribution of ration cards under the Centre’s Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).
- Around 2.2 lakh AAY ration cards were issued in Kashmir, compared with approximately 75,000 in Jammu.
- The figures have been cited to question the contrasting regional distribution of beneficiaries under different welfare measures.
- However, differences in beneficiary numbers alone do not establish the extent of poverty in each region.
- Population, household size, eligibility rules and administrative practices must also be considered.
Suggested Corrective Measures
- Regional EWS eligibility criteria in consultation with local authorities and stakeholders.
- Consider regional housing patterns and differences in land measurement while assessing property ownership.
- Improve the use of reliable socio-economic data to identify eligible households.
- Examine whether the criteria used under other welfare schemes can offer useful lessons for improving poverty identification.
Poverty Assessment In India
- Poverty is multidimensional and cannot always be determined through income alone.
- Important Indicators Include;
- Income and consumption: Ability to meet basic needs.
- Housing and assets: Living conditions and ownership of property.
- Education: Access to schooling and educational attainment.
- Health: Access to healthcare, nutrition and essential services.
- Standard of living: Access to sanitation, electricity, drinking water and other necessities.
- India also uses the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to assess deprivation across health, education and standard-of-living indicators.
Conclusion
Poverty assessment should balance uniform eligibility standards with regional socio-economic realities. Transparent criteria, reliable data and periodic reviews are essential to ensure that welfare benefits reach all eligible beneficiaries fairly.
UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question
With reference to the EWS reservation in India, consider the following statements:
1. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment introduced Articles 15(6) and 16(6).
2. The EWS reservation provides for up to 10% reservation under the constitutional framework.
3. The Supreme Court struck down the 103rd Constitutional Amendment in 2022.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.
Mains Practice Question
Q) Uniform eligibility criteria for welfare benefits may not adequately reflect regional socio-economic difference. Discuss the challenges in identifying economically weaker sections and ensuring equitable access to welfare benefits in India. (250 words)
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