What’s the news?

• The Bihar government’s recent release of the ‘Bihar Caste-based Survey 2022’ has brought to light some crucial insights into the state’s demographic landscape.

Central idea

• The Bihar Caste-based Survey 2022 survey reveals that extremely backward classes (EBCs) and other backward classes (OBCs) together constitute nearly 63% of Bihar’s 13-crore population, making them the largest caste group in the state. The implications of this survey are far-reaching, affecting politics, reservation quotas, and welfare schemes.

Background

• The demand for a caste-based survey in Bihar was first raised by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, an OBC Kurmi caste member, in 2019.
• The Bihar legislature passed resolutions in 2019 and 2020 unanimously supporting a caste census.
• However, when the Union government declined to conduct a caste-wise census, Bihar proceeded with its own survey in June 2022, allocating ₹500 crore from its contingency fund for the exercise.
• The two-phase survey involved 2.64 lakh enumerators, documenting the details of 29 million registered households.

Key Findings

• EBCs, comprising 112 castes, represent 36.01% of the population.
• OBCs, with 29 castes, constitute 27.12% of the population.
• The Yadavs, within the OBC group, dominate with a 14.26% share.
• Scheduled castes account for 19.65% of the population.
• The general unreserved population stands at 15.52%.

The impact of the Survey on reservation quotas in Bihar

• Adjustment Based on Population Share: The ruling coalition alliance party, RJD, has asserted that reservation quotas should be increased in line with the population proportions revealed in the survey. This means that communities with larger populations, such as EBCs and OBCs, may see an increase in their share of reserved seats and government jobs.
• Reevaluation of Reservation Ceiling: The survey’s results could potentially lead to a reevaluation of the 50% ceiling on reservation imposed by the Supreme Court. If the population data suggests that certain communities deserve a larger share of reservations, it may prompt legal and political discussions on whether the reservation limit should be revised.
• Political Divisions: The impact of the survey on reservation quotas has created divisions among political parties. While the RJD and other alliance parties support increasing reservations, the BJP, which initially supported the caste survey, has raised concerns about its accuracy and potential consequences.
• Electoral Implications: With general elections on the horizon, the debate over reservation quotas and their adjustment based on the survey’s findings is likely to play a crucial role in political campaigns. Parties may need to tailor their promises and platforms to address the expectations of various caste groups.

Potential impact on welfare initiatives in the state

• Increased Focus on Marginalized Communities: The survey’s findings reveal that a significant portion of Bihar’s population belongs to marginalized communities, including EBCs, OBCs, SCs, and STs, constituting 85% of the total population. This data is likely to compel political parties and the government to pay greater attention to the welfare needs of these communities.
• Competitive Welfare Announcements: In anticipation of elections and to secure the support of these marginalized communities, political parties may engage in competitive welfare scheme announcements. This competition could lead to a wave of promises and initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions and opportunities for these groups.
• Review of Existing Schemes: The government may also undertake a review of existing welfare schemes to ensure that they are effectively reaching the intended beneficiaries. There could be a reallocation of resources and a reassessment of the impact of ongoing programs.
• Data-Driven Policy Formulation: The survey provides valuable data on the socio-economic profile of various caste groups in Bihar. This data can serve as a basis for evidence-based policy formulation, ensuring that welfare initiatives are targeted and effective.
• Potential for Inclusivity: The survey has the potential to foster inclusivity in policy planning, ensuring that the most marginalized and underprivileged sections of society receive the attention and support they need for their socio-economic development.

Conclusion

• The ‘Bihar Caste-based Survey 2022’ has set the stage for significant changes in Bihar’s political landscape, reservation policies, and welfare programs. Its findings underscore the importance of addressing the needs of marginalized communities and could redefine the political discourse in the state.

Also read:

Takeaways from Bihar caste survey

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