Karnataka notifies 10% EWS Quota

Subject: Polity

Section: Constitution

Concept:

Days after scrapping the 2B Category for Muslims under the OBC quota and on the eve of the announcement of the Assembly elections, the Karnataka government notified the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category to provide 10% reservation in education and employment.
Muslims have been included under this category as per the Cabinet decision taken last week.
The five communities of Brahmins, Arya Vysyas, Mudaliars, Jains, and Naga_rathas have been identified to benefit from the EWS reservation in Karnataka.
Muslims are the new addition to the list.

Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Quota

The 10% EWS quota was introduced under the 103rd Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2019 by amending Articles 15 and 16.
It inserted Article 15 (6) and Article 16 (6).
It is for economic reservation in jobs and admissions in educational institutes for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
It was enacted to promote the welfare of the poor not covered by the 50% reservation policy for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC).
It enables both the Centre and the States to provide reservations to the EWS of society.

Related provisions in the Constitution

Article 16(1) and 16(2) assure citizens equality of opportunity in employment or appointment to any government office.
Articles 15(4) and 16(4) state that the equality provisions do not prevent the government from making special provisions in matters of admission to educational institutions or jobs in favour of backward classes, particularly the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Article 16(4A) allows reservations to SCs and STs in promotions, as long as the government believes that they are not adequately represented in government services.
Article 15(6): Up to 10% of seats may be reserved for EWS for admission in educational institutions. Such reservations will not apply to minority educational institutions.
Article 16(6): It permits the government to reserve up to 10% of all government posts for the EWS.