Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate provides benefits to people as they get 10 percent reservations in government services and various educational institutions in West Bengal. To provide benefits to certain sections of the society which are economically weaker, this certificate is issued. The state government issues an EWS certificate to provide reservation benefits in civil recruitment and admission in educational institutes. The certificate is issued to only those people who are not covered under the traditional reservation categories.
EWS certificate in West Bengal: Key highlights
| Name of certificate | Economically Weaker Section Certificate |
| Reservation benefit | 10 percent |
| Issuing authorities | District magistrate/additional district magistrate, sub-divisional officer, DWO, Kolkata for the KMC area |
| Application mode | Offline |
| Annual family income limit | Less than Rs 8 lakh |
| Certificate validity | One financial year |
| Estimated issuing time | 2-3 weeks |
EWS Certificate in West Bengal: Eligibility criteria
The residents applying for the EWS certificate in West Bengal must be eligible for the certificate. The criteria are as follows:
- Applicants must not belong to any reservation category such as SC, ST, and OBC.
- Applicant’s gross annual family income must be below Rs 8 lakhs from all sources, such as job, business, and agriculture, among others.
- Applicant or the applicant’s family should not possess any of the following assets:
- Agricultural land of 5 acres or above
- Residential flat of 1,000 sq ft or above
- Residential plot of 100 sq yards or above in the notified municipality region
- Residential plot of 200 sq ft or above in a non-notified municipality
EWS certificate in West Bengal: Required documents
The following documents are required for applying for an EWS Certificate in West Bengal:
- Voter ID card of self or parents
- PAN card of self or parents
- Birth certificate/Admit card of Madhyamik or equivalent examination
- Pay slip of self or parents
- Residential certificate
- Income certificate
- RoR/Registered deed
- Self-declaration of family income, assets, and sub-caste in the prescribed format in Annexure – B
- Valid certificate in support of sub-caste
EWS Certificate in West Bengal: Method of applying
The application process for an EWS certificate in West Bengal is only offline. You need to download the EWS certificate form and fill in the required details. Attach all the necessary documents with it and submit it to the authorised authority. This process usually takes 2-3 weeks to issue the certificate.
Online Application Process for EWS Certificate in West Bengal
The West Bengal government has made the EWS certificate application process accessible through its e-district portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply online:
- Visit the West Bengal e-District portal: Go to the official West Bengal e-District portal.
- Create an account:
- If you are a new user, you need to create an account by selecting the Citizen Registration option.
- Fill in the required details such as your name, mobile number, email ID, and set a password.
- Once registered, you will receive a verification link on your email. Verify your account.
- Login to the portal: Use your login credentials (user ID and password) to access your account on the portal.
- Select the EWS Certificate option: After logging in, navigate to the Citizen Services section, and select Apply for EWS Certificate.
- Fill the application form:
- Enter your personal details, family income, and landholding information.
- Upload the required documents such as income proof, residential proof, identity proof, and a passport-sized photograph.
- Submit the application: After verifying all the details, click on Submit. You will receive an acknowledgment receipt with an application number. Keep this number safe for future reference.
- Track application status: You can track the status of your application using the Track Application Status option on the portal. Once your application is processed, you can download the certificate from the same portal.
Offline Application Process for EWS Certificate in West Bengal
If you prefer to apply offline, follow these steps:
- Visit the local tehsil or block development office: You can obtain the EWS certificate application form from the local tehsil, block development office, or the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO).
- Fill the application form:
- Provide your personal details, family income, and landholding information.
- Attach the necessary documents, including:
- Identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or PAN Card)
- Income proof (salary slip, income certificate)
- Address proof (ration card, electricity bill)
- Property documents (landholding certificate)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Submit the application: Submit the filled form and documents to the respective office. The authorities will provide you with an acknowledgment receipt, which you can use to track your application.
- Verification process: After submitting the application, it will undergo verification by the local authorities. They will verify your income, landholdings, and other details. The verification process may include physical inspections or document checks.
- Receiving the certificate: Once the verification is complete, and your application is approved, you will be notified. You can collect the EWS certificate from the office where you submitted the application.
FAQs
What is the validity of the EWS certificate in West Bengal?
The validity of the EWS certificate in West Bengal is one financial year only.
Are EWS certificates and income certificates different?
Yes, the income certificate does not show the case of the person. EWS certificate is a follow-up to the income certificate for a person to get a 10 percent reservation in West Bengal.
Are there two types of EWS certificates?
No, there is only one type of EWS certificate issued in West Bengal.
What is the income limit for EWS?
The income limit is below Rs 8 Lakh.
Who is eligible for a ration card in West Bengal?
Families that have BPL cards are the ones who are living below the poverty line as specified by the state government.
What is the full form of the EWS card?
The full form of EWS is the Economically Weaker Section.
What is the certificate issue authority for EWS?
Collector/ Deputy Commissioner/ Additional Deputy Commissioner/ 1st Class Stipendiary/ Magistrate/ Sub-Divisional Magistrate/ Executive Magistrate/ Taluka Magistrate/ Extra Assistant Commissioner is the issuing authority.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
