Archive · 3 Oct 2026
J&K EWS Figures Raise Questions Over Poverty and Reservations
A lawmaker in Jammu and Kashmir asked how the government decides who is poor.
He said that 92% of the region’s EWS certificates went to people in Jammu and 8% to people in Kashmir.
He said this could make it seem as if most poor people live in Jammu.
He wants one clear rule for deciding who is poor.
The issue is part of a bigger discussion about reserved places in education and government jobs.
In March 2024, changes increased the share of government jobs reserved for different groups.
The Scheduled Tribe share went from 10% to 20%.
The total share of reserved government jobs rose from 43% to about 70%, leaving 30% for open-merit candidates.
Handwara MLA Sajad Lone questioned how Jammu and Kashmir defines and counts poor people.
Lone said 92% of EWS certificates were issued in Jammu and 8% in Kashmir.
He argued that the figures suggest a need for a uniform definition of poverty.
The figures have drawn attention to the debate over rationalising reservation in education and government jobs.
March 2024 amendments raised the Scheduled Tribe quota from 10% to 20% and increased total job reservations from 43% to around 70%.
- Who
- Handwara MLA Sajad Lone raised the question.
- What
- He questioned the definition of poverty after citing a regional split in EWS certificates.
- When
- During a calling attention motion this week; the reservation rules were amended in March 2024.
- Where
- Jammu and Kashmir, with figures comparing Jammu and Kashmir regions.
- Why
- Lone called for a uniform definition of poverty amid debate over reservation in education and government jobs.
- EWS certificates cited
- 92% were from Jammu and 8% from Kashmir, according to Sajad Lone.
- Scheduled Tribe quota
- Raised from 10% to 20% after more communities were included in the ST list.
- Overall job reservations
- Rose from 43% to around 70%.
- Open-merit share
- 30% of government jobs.
- Reservation debate
- Concerns rationalisation of reservations in education and jobs.
- Government change
- The Omar Abdullah government took office in October 2024.