What is Economically Weaker Section (EWS)?
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) refers to a category of citizens in India who belong to the general category (i.e., not belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes) and whose family income is below a certain threshold, making them eligible for certain benefits and reservations.
Historical Background
The concept gained prominence with the introduction of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, which provided for 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for EWS candidates.