Noida: The Confederation of NCR Residents’ Welfare Associations (CONRWA) has urged the Central Government to establish a National Commission for the General Category (Savarn Samaj) to address the socio-economic concerns of economically weaker sections within the general category.
The organisation submitted a detailed memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 3, 2026, seeking the formation of an empowered commission and a range of welfare measures for economically disadvantaged families belonging to the general category.
Demand for Socio-Economic Survey
CONRWA said it needs reliable, comprehensive data on the socio-economic condition of economically weaker people within the general category. It proposed that the commission conduct a scientific assessment covering unemployment, per capita income, landlessness and other socio-economic indicators.
According to the organisation, such data would help the government formulate welfare policies based on the actual needs of economically disadvantaged citizens.
EWS Certificate Process Needs Simplification
The memorandum also highlighted difficulties faced by beneficiaries in obtaining Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificates.
While acknowledging the Centre’s 10% EWS reservation for the general category, CONRWA called for a review of the income and asset criteria and simplification of the certification process. It said a dedicated commission could help ensure effective implementation and greater transparency.
Scholarships for Meritorious Students
CONRWA has also sought special scholarship programmes for meritorious students from economically weaker general-category families.
The organisation proposed financial assistance from primary education through higher and professional education, including IITs, IIMs, medical colleges and law institutions. It also sought free coaching and financial assistance for competitive examinations and overseas education.
Support for Landless Farmers and Homeless Families.
The memorandum raised concerns about landless farmers from the general category, particularly those dependent on sharecropping in rural areas.
CONRWA has proposed identifying such farmers and providing agricultural land on lease or alternative livelihood opportunities. It has also sought priority under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for homeless families and those living in kutcha houses, based on economic need.
Employment and Self-Employment Opportunities
The organisation has called for dedicated skill development programmes to connect economically weaker general-category youth with startups, MSMEs and other employment opportunities.
It also proposed special incentives to promote non-agricultural activities and rural industries, to create additional sources of livelihood.
Interest Subsidy and Easier Loans
CONRWA has sought concessional interest rates and interest subsidies on business, agricultural, education and home loans for economically weaker beneficiaries.
It also proposed simpler loan approval procedures, including easier access to loans under schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, without complicated collateral requirements wherever permitted under the applicable scheme.
Dedicated Grievance Redressal Mechanism
The memorandum further called for an institutional mechanism to address complaints of economically weaker elderly people, women and youth from the general category.
CONRWA said the proposed commission could provide an authorised platform for addressing genuine administrative grievances and complaints relating to alleged misuse of laws and false cases, while ensuring that all complaints are dealt with according to law and due process.
Organisation Links Commission to Social Harmony
According to CONRWA, establishing a dedicated commission would strengthen the confidence of economically disadvantaged people in the government and contribute to greater social harmony.
The organisation has requested the Union Government to consider the proposal and take policy-level action on the issues raised in the memorandum.
Dr P.S. Jain, President, CONRWA, and Anil Sharma, Secretary General, CONRWA, submitted the memorandum. A copy was also forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office for information and necessary action.
