Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 02 August 2024
The residents of Great Nicobar are facing significant challenges due to the non-issuance of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificates, a situation that has persisted for at least a month. This issue is creating barriers for students seeking college admissions and for individuals applying for Govt. Jobs.
In 2019, the Government of India introduced a 10% reservation for individuals in the unreserved category who meet the EWS criteria. This reservation applies to government jobs and admissions in government educational institutions, including prestigious ones like IITs and IIMs.
Previously, EWS certificates were issued smoothly in Great Nicobar when the Block Development Officer (BDO) was handling the responsibilities of the Tehsildar of Campbell Bay. However, the issuance has halted since the regular Tehsildar, who was on leave due to medical reasons, resumed duty. The problem stems from the Tehsildar’s lack of a valid digital signature, which is necessary for approving and issuing these certificates.
The Tehsildar has reportedly applied for the digital signature, but it has not yet been issued. As a result, residents who have applied for the EWS certificate are encountering difficulties in securing college admissions and applying for jobs. Some applicants have missed important opportunities due to the unavailability of the necessary certificates.
An aggrieved parent, who had applied for an EWS certificate for his daughter, expressed his frustration to Nicobar Times. He mentioned that the deadline for submitting a job application is approaching rapidly, and despite applying for the EWS certificate well in advance, it remains unissued even after 30 days.
The delay in the issuance of EWS certificates is causing significant distress among the residents of Great Nicobar, highlighting the urgent need for administrative intervention to resolve the issue promptly.
