09-11-2023 : The Bihar Assembly marked a significant legislative development as it passed a bill on Thursday to increase caste reservations in the state from the existing 50% to 65% for government jobs and educational institutions.
This move, influenced by the recent caste survey report, garnered unanimous support through a voice vote. With the central government’s 10% quota for individuals from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), the total reservation now reaches 75%, although the Supreme Court has previously capped state quotas at 50%. The bill reflects adjustments in reservation percentages for various categories, including a doubling of the quota for Scheduled Tribes (STs) from one to two percent and an increase for Scheduled Castes from 16% to 20%. Additionally, reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) have risen from 12% to 15%, and the quota for Extreme Backward Classes (EBCs) has been elevated from 18% to 25%. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, emphasizing the importance of the recent caste survey data, expressed the intention to use it for implementing more measures aimed at the upliftment of socially, educationally, and economically backward sections of society. Nitish Kumar also reiterated his call for special status for Bihar in the Assembly, citing the need for assistance to reclaim the state’s historical glory. The proposed amendments align with the findings of the caste census report, which revealed that OBCs, including extremely backward classes, constitute 63% of Bihar’s total population. SCs and STs together account for slightly over 21%.
The survey further highlighted that over a third of families in Bihar are grappling with poverty, sustaining themselves with a monthly income of Rs 6,000 or less. The passage of this bill reflects Bihar’s commitment to addressing social inequalities and uplifting marginalized communities based on comprehensive and recent demographic insights.