The Bihar government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has raised reservations in the state to 75%, including a 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections. This includes 20% for SCs, 2% for STs, 18% for OBCs, and 25% for EBCs.

The decision by the Nitish cabinet to implement a 65% reservation limit exceeds the 50% cap set by the Supreme Court of India. This move came after CM Nitish Kumar expressed his intent to increase quotas for Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes in the state.

The Chief Minister's announcement in the assembly came shortly after the state released the comprehensive report of the controversial caste survey, detailing the economic conditions of various sections.

Nitish Kumar stated during a debate following the presentation of the detailed caste survey report in the assembly, "Quotas for Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes need to be raised. We will do the needful after due consultations. It is our intent to effect these changes in the current session."

WHAT'S IN THE CASTE SURVEY?

  • The caste survey report, unveiled on Tuesday, revealed that over a third of families in Bihar were living in poverty, managing with a monthly income of ₹6,000 or less.
  • It also acknowledged significant poverty among the upper castes, although the percentage was notably higher among backward classes, Dalits, and tribals.
  • The state is home to about 2.97 crore families, out of which more than 94 lakhs (34.13%) are poor.
  • Another noteworthy finding was that over 50 lakh Biharis were residing outside the state in search of livelihoods or better educational opportunities.
  • Those working in other states numbered around 46 lakhs, while another 2.17 lakhs had sought opportunities abroad.
  • The population pursuing studies in other states amounted to about 5.52 lakhs, with around 27,000 studying abroad.

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