New Delhi: Delhi govt’s revenue department has stopped issuing new Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificates until further notice, sparking anxiety among students and parents amid the ongoing admission season.
The decision was announced in an order dated April 9. “There is an estimation that a very large number of ineligible persons have been issued these certificates. Govt will examine the EWS certificates issued so far…No further EWS certificates to be issued by the revenue department till further orders,” the order stated.
EWS certificates, which are valid for one financial year, are required for availing reservations in educational institutions and govt recruitment.
The move is part of a larger revamp of the revenue department’s functioning. As per the order, the department has identified eleven areas for strengthening, including better technical capabilities, improving public interface, and enhancing stamp duty revenue. “Each of these areas will be acted upon and implemented in the current financial year as per a fixed timeline and action plan,” the order stated.
The fallout of the order is already being felt on the ground. “I have applied for undergraduate courses at Delhi University under the EWS quota, but my certificate expired on March 31. I don’t know what to do now,” a student, who did not wish to be named, said.
“The CUET form asks for a valid EWS certificate, and I can’t submit my application without it. This has put everything on hold,” said another college aspirant.
Parents, too, are demanding urgent clarity. “Delhi govt has stopped issuing EWS certificates, and this is causing trouble for students and parents who come under this category. It’s high time this is reviewed. Govt is putting people through unnecessary hurdles,” said the father of the DU aspirant.
Many are asking govt to either roll back the decision or issue guidelines for students seeking admission in the interim. “They could have at least given a grace period or an alternative process for those applying now,” said Aman Kumar, an executive council member.
There was no immediate response from Delhi govt on the order.
