What’s the news?

• The Bihar caste survey was released by the state government on October 2.

Central idea

• The recent release of the Bihar caste survey results has unveiled a complex tapestry of demographics in the state, bringing to the forefront the intricate interplay of caste politics. With EBCs and OBCs cumulatively constituting more than 63% of the population, the dynamics of political representation and reservation are poised for transformation.

What is a caste-based survey?

• A caste-based survey is a comprehensive data collection initiative launched by the Bihar state government in India.
• The primary objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the living conditions and economic status of different communities, especially those that have historically faced marginalization and socio-economic disadvantage.

Key Findings of the Survey

• Demographic Breakdown:
• The survey reveals a diverse demographic landscape in Bihar.
• The EBCs, comprising 36.01% of the population, emerge as the largest social group,
• Followed by OBCs at 27.12% and
• Scheduled Castes (SCs) at 19.65%.
• Scheduled Tribes (STs) account for a mere 1.68%, primarily due to the bifurcation of Jharkhand in 2000.
• The unreserved category constitutes 15.52% of the population.
• Religious Composition:
• Bihar’s population, according to the survey, stands at 13,07,25,310, compared to the 10.41 crore recorded in the 2011 census.
• Hindus make up 81.99% of the population, while Muslims account for 17.72%. Other religious denominations have minuscule populations.

Survey Execution

• The survey was undertaken following unanimous agreement among political parties in Bihar.
• It was conducted in two phases.

1. The first phase involved a household count from January 7 to 21.
2. The second phase, initiated on April 15, aimed to collect data on castes, religions, economic backgrounds, and family size.

• The survey faced legal challenges initially but was allowed to proceed after being labeled a survey rather than a census.

Significance of Survey Findings

• Changing Political Landscape: The survey highlights the evolving political landscape, where identity politics based on reservation and backward caste assertion is losing its grip. This shift has been influenced by the BJP’s outreach to OBCs through Hindutva and welfare measures.
• Opportunity for Opposition: The survey results could provide an opportunity for the JD(U)-RJD alliance and other opposition parties to mobilize backward classes, potentially pressuring the BJP to conduct a nationwide caste census.
• Demand for Quotas: The survey data may fuel demands to increase the OBC quota beyond 27% and introduce a quota within a quota for EBCs, especially in light of the Justice Rohini Commission’s pending recommendations.
• Reservation Ceiling Debate: The survey’s findings could reignite the long-standing debate over the 50% reservation ceiling imposed by the Supreme Court, which has hindered states from expanding reservations.

Impact on Upcoming Elections

• The caste survey findings are likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha and Bihar Assembly elections.
• With EBCs, OBCs, and SCs representing over 82% of Bihar’s population, these groups will be key electoral battlegrounds.
• Leaders like Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar are still seen as primary representatives of these communities, while the BJP faces the challenge of navigating Bihar’s complex caste dynamics.

Rationale Behind a Caste Census

• Incomplete Data: The standard Census focuses solely on SC and ST data, leaving a substantial void in comprehending the socio-economic aspects of OBCs and their subdivisions.
• Targeted Policies: A lack of comprehensive data obstructs the creation of effective policies tailored to the distinct requirements of different caste groups.
• Equitable Development: The caste census has the potential to reveal disparities within various castes, enabling customized development strategies for historically marginalized communities.
• Historical and Contemporary Insights: With deep historical roots, the caste system’s evolution can be better understood through a comprehensive census that captures both historical and contemporary dynamics.
• Constitutional Clarification: Legal scrutiny over caste surveys provides clarity on the authority to conduct such initiatives, delineating roles between state and central governments.
• Evidence-Based Decision-Making: In a data-centric era, decisions grounded in concrete socio-economic data hold greater potential for equitable and effective governance.

Conclusion

• The Bihar caste survey has unveiled a complex web of caste demographics that will shape the state’s political landscape. It has the potential to rekindle debates on reservation policies, mobilize backward classes, and influence electoral outcomes. As Bihar prepares for crucial elections, the survey’s impact on political strategies and alliances remains to be seen.

Also read:

The Caste Census and Mandal Politics: Analysis

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