Srinagar: Jammu division issued 24,058 Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates during the last two years, nearly ten times the 2,486 certificates issued in Kashmir division, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Tuesday.
Data disclosed in reply to MLA's question
The figures were provided by the Revenue Department in response to a question tabled by MLA Surjit Singh Slathia. The department gave district-wise details that show wide variation in issuance across the two divisions, but did not offer an explanation for the sharp difference.
According to the department's reply, the Jammu and Kashmir total for EWS certificates issued in the two-year period is 26,544.
| Division / District | Certificates issued |
|---|---|
| Jammu division (total) | 24,058 |
| Udhampur | 5,865 |
| Jammu | 5,075 |
| Kathua | 4,614 |
| Samba | 3,435 |
| Reasi | 1,381 |
| Kashmir division (total) | 2,486 |
| Kulgam | 618 |
| Anantnag | 583 |
| Baramulla | 315 |
| Budgam | 254 |
| Srinagar | 174 |
| Pulwama | 157 |
| Shopian | 153 |
| Bandipora | 82 |
| Kupwara | 80 |
| Ganderbal | 70 |
District-level patterns and constituency query
The district-wise breakdown shows Udhampur as the single largest issuer with 5,865 certificates, followed by Jammu (5,075), Kathua (4,614) and Samba (3,435) in Jammu division. In Kashmir division, Kulgam recorded the highest number at 618, with Anantnag at 583 and Baramulla at 315.
The Revenue Department also said that constituency-wise details for Samba district were sought separately in the Assembly question, indicating that more granular data may be provided later for that district.
What the reply did and did not say
While the department supplied the numerical data requested, the reply did not provide reasons for the substantial disparity between Jammu and Kashmir divisions. No administrative explanation, eligibility clarification, or procedural information was included in the assembly response attached to the question from MLA Surjit Singh Slathia.
- Totals: Jammu division 24,058; Kashmir division 2,486; overall 26,544.
- Highest issuing districts: Udhampur (5,865), Jammu (5,075), Kathua (4,614), Kulgam (618).
- Constituency-wise Samba data has been separately requested.
Possible public implications
The issuance of EWS certificates is tied to access to reservations and government benefits for families below prescribed economic thresholds. A wide imbalance in certificate distribution between divisions may raise questions about administrative reach, public awareness, application procedures and documentation requirements, as well as the distribution of eligible populations.
The Assembly disclosure is likely to prompt follow-up questions from legislators seeking an explanation for the division-level gap and for further constituency-level details, particularly in Samba where more specific data has been requested.
For residents seeking an EWS certificate, the department's reply underscores that district revenue offices remain the point of contact and that queries on constituency-level issuance are being tracked through Assembly questions. Those requiring the certificate should approach their local tehsildar or revenue office for up-to-date application procedures and document lists.
The numerical reply in the Assembly provides a baseline for policy scrutiny but leaves substantive administrative questions open. Further details may emerge if the Revenue Department provides the constituency-wise Samba figures or issues a more detailed explanation in response to follow-up questions.
