Economically Weaker Section Quota in India: Realistic Target Group and Objective Criteria for Eligibility

This paper critiques the manner of conceptualizing the “Economically Weaker Section” category. The authors argue that in order to meet the constitutional standards of equality and social justice, the EWS category should be defined so that the "weakness" seeks to address is of a compelling and trans-generational character. Purely income-based criteria fail to do this because they are neither practicable nor do they accurately reflect the entrenched economic disadvantage. The authors propose an alternative model that can work as an EWS index and recommend the creation of a professional commission to further develop the criteria.