Srinagar, September 30: The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued 26,544 Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates across the Union Territory during the last two years, with 24,058 issued in Jammu division and 2,486 in Kashmir division, the Legislative Assembly was informed.
Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana, replying on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, provided the figures in response to an unstarred question raised by MLA Surjit Singh Slathia.
According to the Revenue Department, Kulgam recorded the highest number of EWS certificates in Kashmir division at 618, followed by Anantnag with 583 and Baramulla with 315.
Budgam accounted for 254 certificates, while Srinagar recorded 174, Pulwama 157, Shopian 153, Bandipora 82, Kupwara 80 and Ganderbal 70.
In Jammu division, Kathua recorded 5,865 certificates, followed by Jammu with 5,075, Samba with 4,614 and Udhampur with 3,435. Doda accounted for 1,804 certificates, while Ramban recorded 1,440, Reasi 1,381 and Kishtwar 429. Rajouri and Poonch recorded 12 and three certificates, respectively.
The government also provided constituency-wise figures for Samba district. Of the 4,614 certificates issued there, 1,083 were issued in Vijaypur, 1,854 in Samba and 1,677 in Ramgarh.
On whether the government planned to review or revise the existing criteria for issuing EWS certificates, the Revenue Department said the criteria are prescribed under the J&K Reservation Rules read with SRO 518 dated September 2, 2019.
The department said the existing criteria are in conformity with applicable constitutional and legal provisions and are being implemented accordingly. It also clarified that there is currently no proposal to review or revisit the criteria.
