EWS Certificate in Jammu & Kashmir – Your Gateway to 10% Reservation
Today, we begin with a new topic: the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificate, which has been in the news quite often. The EWS category was introduced in Jammu & Kashmir in 2019, primarily for unreserved aspirants from the General Category. In this article, we will cover how to apply for an EWS certificate, clear common confusions, and explain the eligibility criteria in detail—such as required residential flat/plot size, agricultural land limit, and income limit.
What is EWS?
EWS stands for Economically Weaker Section. This category was introduced across India in 2019 under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, providing 10% reservation to eligible candidates from the General Category who do not belong to SC, ST, or OBC (Central List) categories.
In Jammu & Kashmir, the Social Welfare Department officially implemented EWS reservation on 2nd September 2019 through SRO 518.
Who Can Apply?
Only General Category candidates who are not covered under any other reservation category (SC, ST, OBC, etc.) are eligible.
Reservation Percentage
As per Rule 15 of the J&K EWS notification, 10% of available vacancies are reserved for the EWS category.
Example: Out of 1,000 advertised posts, 100 posts will be reserved for EWS candidates.
EWS Eligibility Criteria in Jammu & Kashmir
1. Family Income
- Annual family income must be less than ₹8 lakh.
- This includes income from:
- Salary (Government or Private)
- Business/Profession
- Agricultural income credited to bank account
- Rental income from house/shop
- Pension
- Whose income counts?
- Father, mother, unmarried brothers, and unmarried sisters living in the same household.
- Married brothers or sisters living separately are not counted.
2. Agricultural Land Limit
- Total agricultural land ownership must be less than 5 acres.
- Ownership in the name of father/mother is considered part of family ownership.
- If land is shared between brothers, ensure proper division in revenue records or through an affidavit.
3. Residential Property Limit
This is where most applicants get confused.
EWS rules specify limits based on the type of property and location:
Urban Areas (Municipalities)
- Residential plot: Less than 100 sq. yards (= 900 sq. ft.)
- Residential flat: Less than 1000 sq. ft. built-up area
Rural Areas (Panchayats/Villages)
- Residential plot: Less than 200 sq. yards (= 1800 sq. ft.)
- Measurement includes the total boundary area (house + yard/garden).
- Single-storey houses are considered plots; the 1000 sq. ft. limit applies only to multi-storey flats.
Difference Between Residential Plot and Residential Flat
- Plot: The total land area within your house boundary (including open space and garden).
- Flat: A multi-storey residential unit—either in an apartment building or a double-storey house.
💡 Important:
If you live in a rural area and your plot is within the 1800 sq. ft. limit, you are eligible—even if your single-storey house’s built-up area exceeds 1000 sq. ft.
However, if you have a double-storey structure or additional rooms built on the roof, the 1000 sq. ft. rule will apply.
Measurement Example
If your house has:
- Length = 60 ft
- Breadth = 30 ft
Area = 60 × 30 = 1800 sq. ft.
If the measurement is more than the allowed limit for your area type, you will not be eligible for EWS.
Documents Required
- Domicile Certificate
- Proof of Income (Income Certificate from Tehsildar or equivalent)
- Land Records (Fard, Girdawari, etc.)
- Property Size Proof (Measurement report by Patwari/Revenue Officer)
Conclusion
The EWS certificate in Jammu & Kashmir is a great opportunity for General Category candidates to avail 10% reservation in jobs and education.
Remember the three key checks before applying:
- Family income < ₹8 lakh
- Agricultural land < 5 acres
- Residential property within prescribed limits for your area type.
Applying with correct documents and understanding these rules will ensure smooth approval of your EWS certificate.
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