Srinagar, Sep 29 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that 26,544 Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates were issued across the Union Territory during the last two years, with 24,058 issued in Jammu Division and 2,486 in Kashmir Division.
The information was provided by the Revenue Department in response to an unstarred question raised by MLA Surjit Singh Slathia regarding the number of EWS certificates issued in Jammu and Kashmir and the government’s position on revisiting the existing criteria.
The department, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that 2,486 EWS certificates were issued in Kashmir Division during the period under review.
Among Kashmir districts, Anantnag recorded 583 certificates, followed by Kulgam with 618, Baramulla 315, Budgam 254, Pulwama 157, Srinagar 174, Kupwara 80, Bandipora 82, Ganderbal 70 and Shopian 153.
In Jammu Division, 24,058 EWS certificates were issued. Jammu recorded the highest number with 5,075 certificates, followed by Kathua with 5,865, Samba 4,614, Udhampur 3,435, Doda 1,804, Ramban 1,440, Reasi 1,381, Kishtwar 429, Rajouri 12 and Poonch three.
Regarding Samba district, the government said 4,614 EWS certificates were issued constituency-wise, including 1,083 in Vijaypur, 1,854 in Samba and 1,677 in Ramgarh.
On whether the government intends to review or revisit the existing criteria for issuance of EWS certificates, the Revenue Department said the criteria are already prescribed under the J&K Reservation Rules read with SRO 518 dated September 2, 2019.
The department said the existing criteria are in conformity with applicable constitutional and legal provisions and are being implemented. It further clarified that there is no proposal at present to review or revisit the criteria—(KNO)