Reservation: Explain rationale behind Rs 8 lakh income limit for EWS category, SC tells Centre

The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the Centre’s rationale for fixing the income limit for inclusion in the Economically Weaker Sections category at Rs 8 lakh per year, Bar and Bench reported. The court asked the Union government what exercise it conducted before arriving at the figure.

In 2019, the Central government had extended EWS reservation in education and jobs to poorer sections with an annual income of less than Rs 8 lakh. This is meant for sections of society not covered by any reservation.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court was hearing a group of petitions challenging the 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes and 10% reservation for the EWS category in all-India quota seats in post-graduate medical courses. From among the candidates who clear the National Eligibility Entrance Test, 15% seats in MBBS courses and 50% seats in MS and MD courses are filled through the all-India quota.

The petitioners, who are NEET aspirants, also questioned whether an annual income of Rs 8 lakh was a valid criterion for being included in the EWS category.

Additional Solicitor General KM Natraj told the court that the decision was taken after proper deliberations, and after the approval of the Cabinet.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and BV Nagarathna and headed by Justice DY Chandrachud, however, pointed out that…

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