Which Indian state became the first to implement a 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in the General Category?

Introduction / Context:
After the Constitution was amended to allow reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in the General Category, several Indian states moved to implement a 10 percent EWS quota. Competitive exams frequently ask which state implemented this quota first, because it shows awareness of constitutional developments and state level execution. This question focuses on identifying that pioneering state.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The quota is 10 percent for EWS within the General Category.
• We are looking for the first Indian state to implement this quota.
• Options provided are Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Assam.
• The constitutional framework for EWS reservation is already assumed to be in place.

Concept / Approach:
The 10 percent EWS quota became possible after the 103rd Constitutional Amendment. The key is to recall which state moved quickest to implement it in state level jobs and educational institutions. Gujarat is documented as the first state to put this 10 percent EWS quota into effect soon after the central government decision. The approach is primarily recall based, supported by elimination of states that implemented it later.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the question is about implementation, not just announcement. Step 2: Recall that Gujarat promptly issued a government notification applying the 10 percent EWS quota in the state. Step 3: Check the options and see that Gujarat is listed as Option C. Step 4: Recognise that other states such as Uttar Pradesh and Assam implemented the quota later. Step 5: Choose Gujarat as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
A cross check can be done by remembering news headlines at the time of the constitutional amendment. Gujarat was repeatedly mentioned as the first state to implement the EWS reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. By contrast, states like Uttar Pradesh and Telangana were covered in later reports. This timeline helps confirm that Option C is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Telangana: Implemented reservations but was not the first to adopt the 10 percent EWS quota, so this option is incorrect.
Uttar Pradesh: Did introduce EWS reservation, but after Gujarat, making it wrong as the “first” state.
Assam: Also moved to adopt EWS reservation later; it is not recognised as the earliest adopter, so this choice is incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent error is assuming that the most populous state or a politically prominent one was first, leading some candidates to choose Uttar Pradesh. Another pitfall is confusing the passage of the constitutional amendment at the central level with its implementation at the state level. To avoid such confusion, focus on which state government issued the earliest implementation order, which in this case is Gujarat.

Final Answer:
Gujarat