**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to a parliamentary question (Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3866) regarding the inclusion of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Scheduled Castes (SC) categories under the 10% EWS reservation. The question was addressed to the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment on August 12, 2025.
The government, through the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B.L. Verma, stated that the Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019, provides for a 10% reservation for EWS citizens *not* covered under existing SC, ST, and OBC reservations (Article 15 & 16). This reservation applies to civil posts under the Government of India and admissions to educational institutions. The government affirms its commitment to implementing EWS reservation as per constitutional provisions and guidelines.
Regarding concerns that selection standards for EWS are lower than those for SC/OBC in some recruitments, the government stated that the Department does not maintain specific data on EWS appointments.
Key Entities Referenced
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): A category of citizens identified based on economic criteria, eligible for reservation benefits.
Other Backward Classes (OBC): A group of historically disadvantaged castes recognized by the Indian government for reservation purposes.
Scheduled Castes (SC): A group of historically disadvantaged castes recognized by the Indian government for reservation purposes.
Scheduled Tribes (ST): A group of historically disadvantaged tribes recognized by the Indian government for reservation purposes.
Reservation: A policy of reserving seats in government jobs and educational institutions for certain categories of citizens.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: The Indian government ministry responsible for the welfare and empowerment of disadvantaged groups.
Constitution One Hundred and Third Amendment Act, 2019: The constitutional amendment that introduced the 10% reservation for EWS.
Articles 15 and 16: Articles of the Indian Constitution related to equality and non-discrimination, amended to include provisions for EWS reservations.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3866
TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.08.2025
RESERVATION FOR EWS GROUPS
3866. SHRI T R BAALU:
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the strong demand for including the Economically
Weaker Sections of the OBC and SC people within the ambit of the reservation of 10 per cent for
EWS group, if so, the details thereof:
(b) the reasons for not acceding to this fair and just demand of the backward classes of the
society; and
(c) whether the Government has taken note of the fact that in a number of recruitments and the
prescribed standard for selection for EWS is less than SC/OBC, if so, the corrective measures
adopted to address the issue?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI B.L.VERMA)
(a) & (b): The Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019 inserted Clause (6)
in Articles 15 and 16 to enable the State to make special provisions for the advancement of
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of citizens other than those covered under existing
reservations for SC, ST and OBC. This includes up to 10% reservation in appointments to civil
posts under the Government of India and admission to educational institutions. The Government
is committed to implement EWS reservation, in accordance with constitutional provisions and
applicable guidelines.
(c): Data relating to EWS appointments is not maintained by this Department.
aOR EK