Bihar Releases Caste-Based Survey Data: Key Findings and Reactions
Bihar Makes History with Caste-Based Survey
Bihar, the northern Indian state, has made history by becoming the first state to release data from a comprehensive caste-based survey. This survey provides valuable insights into the composition of the state’s population, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of caste communities in the region.
Key Findings of the Survey
The survey reveals a complex mosaic of caste demographics in Bihar:
- Extremely Backward Classes (EBC): The survey indicates that 36 percent of the population belongs to the Extremely Backward Classes, reflecting the significant presence of this group in the state.
- Backward Classes: Approximately 27.1 percent of the population falls under the Backward Classes category, demonstrating their substantial representation.
- Scheduled Castes: Scheduled Castes account for 19.7 percent of the population, highlighting their significant presence in Bihar.
- Scheduled Tribes: Scheduled Tribes make up 1.7 percent of the population in the state.
- General Population: The survey reveals that the general population comprises 15.5 percent of Bihar’s total populace.
The data also highlights the prominence of the Yadav community, the group to which Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav belongs. This community accounts for 14.27 percent of all Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories.
Political Implications and Calls for Quota Increase
The release of this caste-based survey data is expected to have significant political implications. It is likely to spark debates and calls for an increase in quotas for Other Backward Classes (OBC), which are currently capped at 27 percent. According to the survey findings, OBCs constitute a substantial 63.1 percent of Bihar’s population.
Reactions to the Survey
- Chief Minister Nitish Kumar: Nitish Kumar praised the release of the data on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary and announced plans for a meeting of nine political parties in the Bihar Assembly to discuss the caste-based census.
- Tejashwi Yadav: Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav hailed the survey as a “watershed” moment and emphasized that government policies and intentions should respect the data.
- Lalu Prasad Yadav: The leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Lalu Prasad Yadav, expressed satisfaction with the release of the survey despite challenges and conspiracies.
- BJP’s Reaction: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the survey, with Union Minister Giriraj Singh calling it “eyewash.” The party, however, stated that it would provide an official response after studying the methodology of the survey.
National and Regional Implications
While this survey is specific to Bihar, it has national and regional implications. The demand for a national caste-based survey has been raised by opposition parties, including the INC and the Trinamool Congress. The release of this data comes as the Supreme Court continues to hear petitions challenging the validity of the survey.
Conclusion
Bihar’s release of caste-based survey data marks a significant milestone in understanding the complex social fabric of the state. It has triggered discussions about political representation, quotas, and the influence of various caste communities in Bihar, with potential ripple effects on the national stage. As the data continues to be analyzed and debated, it remains to be seen how it will shape future policies and political dynamics in the state and beyond.
Also Read: September GST Collections Surge To Rs 1.63 Lakh Crore, Marking A 10.2% YoY Increase
