New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar proposed an increase in reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Extremely Backward Classes to 65 percent in the state on Tuesday. This surpasses the 50 percent limit set by the Supreme Court. Kumar’s statement in the assembly followed the release of the full report of the controversial caste survey, detailing the economic conditions of various sections.
Together with the 10 percent reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) at the national level, the proposed rise in reservations will result in a total of 75 percent.
“Increasing quotas for Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes is necessary,” said Nitish Kumar during a discussion following the presentation of the comprehensive caste survey report in the assembly. He added, “We will take the necessary steps after proper consultations, and our intention is to implement these changes in the current session.”
Breaking down the proposed reservation in Bihar:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 20%
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): 2%
- Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC): 43%
Bihar currently maintains a reservation of 18% for EBCs, 12% for OBCs, 16% for SCs, 1% for STs, and 3% for women from backward classes in state jobs and educational institutions.
Nitish Kumar’s proposal to raise caste-based quotas follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s accusation that the Bihar government inflated the population data of Muslims and Yadavs in the caste survey. The Yadavs, comprising 14.26% of Bihar’s population, hold significant political influence, being the largest group among OBCs and a core vote bank for Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal, which is part of the ruling ‘mahagathbandhan’ (alliance) in the state.