No age benefit for 10% quota

Ananya Panda

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 11

The Centre has admitted that it is not granting any relaxation in age and attempts in competitive exams under the newly introduced quota for the economically weaker sections (EWS) of the general category, leaving lakhs of job aspirants in dismay.

The supposed EWS beneficiaries see it as nothing more than a “stunt” of the Narendra Modi government ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. They have initiated a social media campaign “#EWSJUMLA” demanding the upper age bar be raised to 35 years and nine attempts be provided in the Central government exams, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) civil service, on a par with the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Ever since the 10 per cent reservation for financially disadvantaged of the general category was announced last month came into effect on January 14, the beneficiaries concerned have been apprehensive.

Their concerns got credence on Feb 6 with the Department of Personnel and Training’s reply to a civil service aspirant’s grievance seeking clarification on the benefits under the EWS, clearly stating that it is not considering giving “relaxation in age and number of attempts” to EWS candidates under the new reservation policy.

The UPSC provides nine attempts to OBCs till 35 years and no bar or about 16 attempts from minimum allowed 22 years to 37 years to SC/ST candidates in civil service exams.