EWS Quota Committee Report

Question: Consider the following statements:
(i) Special committee was created by government of India to review the eligibility criteria of 10% reservations for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in government institutes and jobs.
(ii) Committee consist of 3 members namely Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Prof VK Malhotra and Sanjeev Sanyal.
Which of the above are correct?
(a) i
(b) ii
(c) i and ii both
(d) None
Ans: c
Recent Context

  • On January 1, 2021, special committee appointed by central government of India has submitted its report to the Supreme Court on reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

Related Facts

  • Earlier SC has asked central government about logic behind Rs 8 lakh annual household limit for 10% EWS reservation.
  • Government had appointed a three-member committee comprising former union finance secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey, member secretary ICSSR VK Malhotra, and principal economic advisor Sanjeev Sanyal, to look into the matter and submit its report.
  • Committee submitted its report to SC on 1st January 2022.

Recommendations of Committee

  • It advocated the continuation of the existing annual income limit of ₹8 lakh for identification of economically weaker section (EWS).
  • It also recommended dropping the condition that kept people out of EWS quota if they have residential flat or plots of 1,000 square feet and above or residential plots of 100/200 square yards and above in notified/non-notified municipalities.
  • The panel has suggested to implement the recommendations only from the next admission cycle and not from the ongoing session.
  • This is so, because sudden change will cause major disruption across educational institutes as well as create complications for authorities and beneficiaries.

By Kameshwar Shukla

Reference:

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/will-stick-to-rs-8-lakh-income-limit-for-ews-quota-centre-tells-supreme-court-101641095239198.html