(Utkarsh Patel)
January 14, 2019, will forever be etched in golden letters in Gujarat's history. On this day, the Gujarat government became the first in the country to implement the 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of the general category.
This landmark decision, which followed the intense Patidar reservation agitation spearheaded by Hardik Patel and other young Patidar leaders, and the sacrifice of 14 youths, was made after the Central government granted approval for the 10% quota. This move has benefited over 50,000 students and thousands of job-seekers in Gujarat. The fire of the 2015 Patidar reservation movement was so potent that it compelled even the central government to take notice. Today, the positive outcome of that struggle shines as a beacon in the lives of lakhs of Gujarati youth.
From Struggle to Success: A New Era for EWS Candidates
The EWS certificate, a small document, now stands behind the success of young men and women from poor Brahmin, Patel, or Bania families who become Doctors, Engineers, or GPSC officers. Their achievement is a testament to the unwavering fight led by Hardik Patel and other youths, coupled with the foresight of the BJP government. Gujarat has demonstrated to the nation how political will can create a miracle, bringing the youth at the far end of society into the mainstream.
Massive Impact in Education
The education sector provides the biggest example of the new hope EWS has brought to Gujarat's youth. Earlier, general category students aspiring for admission through exams like NEET, GUJCET, or JEE had to cross a formidable barrier of over 95% marks. Today, thanks to the 10% EWS quota, thousands of students scoring 85-90% are securing admission into government medical and engineering colleges. In the 2023-24 academic year alone, over 1,200 students gained admission to Gujarat's medical colleges through the EWS quota. The emotional parents of these students often say, "Hardik, the youth, and the government have fulfilled our child's dream of becoming a doctor."
Transforming Government Job Landscape
The scenario has also changed drastically in the realm of government jobs. Thousands of EWS youth are now succeeding in examinations for posts like Talati, Junior Clerk, Police Constable, and Deputy Mamlatdar. Families that had been waiting for a job for two decades are now celebrating the recognition of a khaki uniform or a government office chair. This shift was made possible because the Gujarat government streamlined the EWS certificate process, making it extremely simple and transparent through the Digital Gujarat portal. Furthermore, the validity of the certificate was increased from one year to three years to save students from repeated paperwork.
A Gratitude for the Agitation
When Hardik Patel and the Patidar youth began the fight for reservation, many dismissed it as a political stunt. However, today, every EWS beneficiary in Gujarat silently expresses gratitude for their struggle. Hardik and the other young agitators made the pain of Gujarat's youth their own, took to the streets, and even went to jail, but did not back down. The result of their fight is now lighting up millions of homes with happiness.
EWS is not just a scheme; it is a sparkling dream in the eyes of Gujarat's youth, a symbol of the courage of Hardik Patel and his companions, and a living testament to the sensitivity of the BJP government. While the politics of criticism and counter-allegations will persist, the successes and positive work achieved must be acknowledged.
(The writer is a prominent businessman, social worker and founder of Khabarchhe.com)
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