Jaipur: Sheo MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati Tuesday announced a statewide yatra from Sept 25 to press for changes in the implementation of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation, including revision of eligibility criteria, simplification of certification and income assessment, age-limit and fee relaxations and greater educational support.Addressing a news conference at Pink City Press Club, Bhati said the existing uniform property-based criteria did not adequately reflect differences in agricultural productivity, irrigation, land values and economic conditions across states.“India has wide variations in geography, agriculture and economic conditions. A uniform property criterion cannot accurately reflect the actual economic condition of families in every state,” Bhati said.He demanded that land productivity, irrigation facilities, local land values and actual economic utility be considered along with landholding size while determining EWS eligibility.Bhati sought recognition of EWS certificates issued by state govts for central govt jobs and educational institutions, saying candidates should not be required to obtain separate certificates for state and central purposes.“An EWS certificate issued after verification by a state govt should also be recognised for central services and central educational institutions. This will reduce unnecessary procedural hurdles for candidates,” he said.Citing govt figures, Bhati said 2,77,555 EWS certificates were issued by Rajasthan govt in 2022-23, compared with 95,243 issued by the Centre. “The difference itself shows the need to simplify the certification process and make it more responsive to local conditions,” he said.Bhati also demanded age-limit and application-fee relaxations for EWS candidates on the lines of other reserved categories, wherever applicable. He proposed extending the validity of EWS certificates from one year to three or five years, with renewal through an affidavit subject to prescribed conditions.On income assessment, Bhati said the existing definition of family could make the process cumbersome, particularly for married women candidates who may be required to furnish documents relating to both their parental and marital families.“The income assessment process should be simple, transparent and practical. Parents’ income should be the primary basis, with clear rules so that candidates are not forced to go through unnecessary documentation,” he said.
