Students in Delhi, studying at institutions like DU, JNU, and Jamia, are uniting for relaxation in the EWS quota criteria. They’re urging adjustments in age limits, land clauses, and income criteria. They are citing concerns about disparities compared to OBC reservations.
Demands for EWS Criteria Change:
The rallying point centers on making EWS criteria more accessible. It is focusing on land, house, and income requirements. Activists, led by figures like Shakti Singh Bandikui, are emphasizing the need to relax the strict criteria. These include 5-acre land and 1000 square feet residential area criteria. The argument is that these rules disproportionately affect EWS candidates. It is creating an uneven playing field compared to their OBC peers.
Concerns over Double Standards and Discrimination:
Students express worries about perceived double standards, especially regarding the 5-acre land need. They question its fairness, pointing out discrepancies across different states. The overarching demand is for equality. They’re urging an end to discriminatory practices in age limits. They want relaxation norms, and land clauses that seem to impact EWS students differently than OBC candidates.
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Government Response and Legislative Moves:
In a recent session, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh also highlighted this issue. He brought the EWS criteria issue to the forefront. He is seeking for a thorough review. Raj Kumar Singh, a Ph.D. scholar, joined the conversation, questioning the logic behind the 5-acre land need. Singh emphasizes the need to end discrimination against individuals with 5 acres. He highlighted stark differences in criteria between EWS and OBC categories.
Addressing Gender Inequality Concerns:
The existing EWS reservation criteria present challenges, particularly affecting female candidates. Rajya Sabha member Vivek Wadhwa underscores the gender inequality. he said that it is arising from current EWS reservation conditions. He stresses the importance of a review to prevent disparities. It is especially about female representation within the EWS category.
Unpacking EWS Eligibility Complexity:
The current EWS eligibility, including criteria like 5 acres of land, a residential area of 1000 square feet, or a specific annual income, is perceived as lacking nuance. Students argue it may not reflect the economic realities of the unreserved category. They call for a holistic approach, ensuring fairness and inclusivity in educational policies.
DELHI UNIVERSITY ORPHAN QUOTA ILLUMINATES PATHS TO EDUCATION
EWS in Indian Constitution
The Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category came with 104th Constitutional Amendment. It refers to a provision introduced to ensure social and economic inclusivity. It came in 2019. This constitutional amendment aims to provide reservation benefits to individuals. These people belong from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Those, who do not fall under existing reservation categories. The EWS quota extends opportunities in education and employment. They divide a certain percentage of seats and jobs for this category. This measure seeks to address economic disparities and promote equal access to opportunities. Those individuals who face financial hardships, thereby fostering a more inclusive society.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, students across Delhi universities are making a unified call for a reassessment of the EWS quota criteria. Their demand revolves around adjustments in age limits, land clauses, and income criteria. It’s driven by concerns about disparities compared to OBC reservations. Worries are about double standards and discrimination, along with emerging gender inequality. It intensifies the plea for a comprehensive review. The essence of the debate underscores the crucial need for crafting fair and inclusive policies. These cater to the diverse needs of all students in higher education.
