Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Friday, 12 June asserted that the Narendra Modi-led government distributes budgetary support to all states without political discrimination, regardless of which party holds power. Speaking at the Khasakothi Circuit House in Jaipur, Athawale also signalled that the Centre is weighing a significant revision to the income ceiling for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation.

EWS Income Limit Under Review

Athawale indicated that the annual income threshold for EWS reservation eligibility — currently set at ₹8 lakh — could be raised to between ₹12 lakh and ₹15 lakh. He said his Ministry, in consultation with NITI Aayog, is examining proposals to revise the ceiling after receiving demands from various quarters.

'At present, people with an annual income below ₹8 lakh are eligible for EWS reservation. Our Ministry, along with NITI Aayog, is examining proposals to increase the limit to ₹12 lakh to ₹15 lakh,' he said.

The Minister noted that the 10 per cent EWS quota is available to economically weaker sections of the general category across all religions and communities.

Fuel Prices and the Iran Factor

On the question of rising fuel costs, Athawale said the Central government would consider reducing petrol and diesel rates once the international situation stabilises. He attributed current price pressures to disruptions in petroleum supply chains caused by the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

'There has been no shortage of petrol or diesel since the Narendra Modi government came to power. However, disruptions in the supply of petroleum products and gas due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran have put pressure on fuel prices,' he said.

Athawale also noted that fuel and LPG prices in several neighbouring countries — including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka — are significantly higher than in India, framing the domestic pricing as comparatively stable.

Caste Census and the Congress Question

The Minister defended the Centre's decision to conduct a caste-based census, pointing out that the exercise was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He turned the debate on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning why successive Congress governments — despite decades in power — never conducted a caste census.

'The Union government has now decided to conduct a caste-based census. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi keeps raising questions, but he should explain why Congress governments, despite being in power for decades, never conducted one,' Athawale said.

He added that repeated criticism of Prime Minister Modi would not affect the government's functioning, reiterating that the administration remains 'committed to the welfare and upliftment of every section of society.'

Rajasthan's Central Welfare Footprint

Highlighting the reach of Central schemes in Rajasthan, Athawale cited figures from the past 12 years: over 3.84 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened in the state, 2.51 crore beneficiaries receiving loans under the Mudra Yojana, and 74.32 lakh households benefiting from the Ujjwala Yojana. He added that 95.50 lakh people in Rajasthan have been covered under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme.

Athawale praised the Bhajan Lal Sharma government in Rajasthan for its development work and said the Centre is extending 'maximum assistance' to the state. Earlier in the day, he paid a courtesy visit to Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde.

With the EWS revision still under examination and fuel price relief contingent on global conditions, both announcements remain policy signals rather than firm commitments — but they set the agenda for what the government may act on in the months ahead.