EWS certificate still out of reach for many poor due to tedious process
The EWS certificate process is meant to assist the economically weaker, not intimidate or discourage them through bureaucratic hurdles.
RC Sharma Chanakya
Jammu, Apr 21; Why are economically weaker individuals being harassed by concerned officials while seeking an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate? How long will such unwarranted harassment by issuing authorities continue?
It is deeply concerning that some Tehsildars, instead of showing understanding and discretion, are unnecessarily demanding a separate income certificate from applicants—despite the fact that the EWS certificate itself is based on income assessment. This not only causes unnecessary delays but adds to the burden of poor applicants who are already struggling.
Why are officials who fail to exercise basic administrative wisdom being posted in such sensitive positions? The role of a Tehsildar is crucial in easing access to welfare benefits for the underprivileged, not in complicating the process. It is disheartening that such officers continue to serve unchecked, and that their actions go unnoticed by higher authorities.
Why are senior officials not taking action against these Tehsildars who are flouting established norms and causing distress to applicants? The EWS certificate process is meant to assist the economically weaker, not intimidate or discourage them through bureaucratic hurdles.
These are serious concerns that require immediate attention. The administration must take note of such malpractice and take corrective action. Officers responsible for such harassment must be held accountable, and clear instructions should be issued to ensure that no separate income certificate is demanded unless strictly necessary.
The government must step in to protect the interests of the poor and ensure that public services are delivered with empathy, efficiency, and accountability.
Despite being one of the most significant welfare measures for economically disadvantaged individuals, the process of acquiring the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir has become a source of distress rather than relief for the poor. Several applicants have raised concerns over the unnecessary hurdles created by local officials, which not only delay the process but also discourage genuine beneficiaries from availing their rightful entitlement.
Under the EWS category, individuals who do not fall under any other reservation group and have an annual family income below ₹8 lakh are eligible to receive benefits in education, employment, and other welfare schemes. However, the ground reality reveals a challenging and often discouraging process.
Applicants, many of whom are daily wage earners or struggling to meet basic needs, are reportedly being forced to run from pillar to post. First, they are directed to acquire an affidavit from a court, which in itself involves legal and logistical complexities. Even after that, they must get their income verified by the local Patwari— a process widely known for delays and demands for unofficial payments.
“Everyone knows how difficult it is to get a report from the Patwari without greasing palms,” said a distressed applicant, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “Instead of helping the poor, the system is working against them.”
Ironically, some Tehsildars—the very officials responsible for issuing the EWS certificates—have acknowledged that there is no need for a separate income certificate, as income verification is already conducted during the EWS application process itself. They admitted that both documents—Income Certificate and EWS Certificate—follow almost identical procedures, and thus demanding an additional income certificate is redundant.
They clarified that as long as the annual family income is below ₹8 lakh, and the applicant does not belong to any other reserved category, an EWS certificate can be issued based on Patwari verification alone.
Social activists and community leaders are calling upon higher authorities to step in and streamline the process, remove redundant requirements, and hold accountable those officials who are causing undue hardship to the poor. The EWS certificate is meant to be a tool of empowerment—not a bureaucratic maze that punishes the underprivileged for seeking their rights.
The administration is urged to review the current procedural bottlenecks and issue clear directives to ensure transparency, accountability, and above all, compassion in the delivery of this essential welfare service.
