The Human Resource Development Ministry has asked the States to provide data about vacant seats under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category in entry-level classes in private schools.
About:
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) is a term used to refer to those citizens or households with income below a certain threshold level.
This categorisation as EWS is distinct from other categories like “disadvantaged sections” which refer to those belonging to the Scheduled Caste/ the Scheduled Tribe /other socially backward communities.
Benefits: The criterion of EWS is generally evoked while granting benefits under health, education or housing.
Criteria: Though there may be other economic factors in deciding on the economic weakness of the citizen/household, income is the dominant criterion.
There is no coherent single / unique definition for EWS in India.
It is defined differently for different schemes run by the Government.
Further, state and central (Union/Federal) governments may set different criteria for deciding on the EWS status.
EWS under RTE:
Under Section 2 (e) of Right to Education Act, 2009 a "child belonging to weaker section" means a child belonging to such parent or guardian whose annual income is lower than the minimum limit specified by the appropriate Government, by notification.
For instance, Delhi Government has specified the EWS child as a child resident in Delhi for the last three years with annual parental income of less than Rs. 1 lakh.
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