EWS Intellectuals Express Gratitude to Ashok Gehlot, Felicitate Him for Simplifying EWS Reservation in Rajasthan

Udaipur: A preparatory meeting for the upcoming “Vichar Goshti Program,” organized under the banner of the EWS Jan Jagriti Manch, was held at the Circuit House in Udaipur. The meeting focused on the need to simplify the 10 percent reservation provided to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

During the event, intellectuals and representatives from the EWS category expressed their gratitude to former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and felicitated him for his efforts toward simplifying EWS reservation norms in Rajasthan.

Addressing the gathering, Ashok Gehlot said that simplifying the EWS reservation criteria for central government jobs is one of the most important needs of the present time. He emphasized that such reforms are necessary and can only be achieved through collective efforts from all sections of society.

Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully stated that he had also raised the issue of simplifying EWS reservation criteria at the central level in the Rajasthan Assembly. He said that only after easing eligibility conditions can true economic equality and equal opportunities be ensured in society.

The keynote speaker and former RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathore said that the 10 percent EWS reservation introduced in 2019 was a historic decision for economically weaker sections. However, due to the current eligibility conditions, many genuinely deserving individuals are still unable to benefit from it. He pointed out that the limited participation of EWS candidates in government recruitments and competitive examinations indicates that the policy has not achieved the expected impact at the grassroots level.

Rathore specifically questioned the land-related eligibility conditions, saying that the limit of owning up to five acres of agricultural land is no longer practical in today’s economic environment. Despite rising farming costs and limited agricultural income, many farmers are excluded from the EWS category, which he termed unfair. He also noted that housing-related conditions are negatively affecting the joint family system, forcing many youths to live separately in order to qualify for EWS benefits.

He further highlighted inconsistencies between the reservation policies of the state and central governments. According to him, several communities are categorized as OBC at the state level but fall under the general category at the central level, preventing them from receiving full benefits under the EWS category as well. Rathore referred to Rajasthan’s previously adopted flexible EWS model, under which relaxations in land and housing conditions had enabled more people to benefit. He advocated implementing a similar practical policy at the national level.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the forum demanded the removal of land and housing-related conditions in EWS reservation, making eligibility criteria more inclusive, and ensuring policy uniformity so that all deserving sections receive fair opportunities.

Prominent attendees included Pankaj Sharma, Dinesh Khodania, Lal Singh Jhala, along with representatives from various social organizations and community groups such as the Kshatriya Mahasabha, Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha, and Karni Sena. Numerous distinguished citizens and social leaders were also present at the meeting.