The Bihar government on Monday released the caste-based census survey. The report, released by Bihar’s Chief Secretary, shows that 63 per cent of the state’s population is formed by the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
“Of the total population of Bihar, which is more than 13 crores, 27.13 per cent are backward class, 36.01 per cent are the extremely backward class and 15.52 per cent are the general category,” Vivek Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Bihar, said, ANI reported.
The backward and extremely backward classes together form what is known as the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), which is 63 per cent of Bihar’s population.
Bhumihars constitute 2.86 per cent of the population, Brahmins 3.66 per cent, Kurmis 2.87 per cent, Musahars 3 per cent, and Yadavas 14 per cent.
The Patna High Court had earlier dismissed pleas challenging the decision of the Bihar Government to conduct a caste-based survey in the state, paving the way for a caste-based survey in the state.
Despite facing legal challenges and opposition from certain political parties against the caste-based survey, the Bihar government maintained that the survey was crucial for social justice. The Supreme Court also did not halt the exercise, allowing the state to proceed with its plans.
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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reacted to the caste survey report and said on X, “Today, on the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the data of the caste-based census conducted in Bihar has been published. Many congratulations to the entire team engaged in the work of caste-based enumeration!”
“Caste-based census not only revealed the castes but also gave information about the economic condition of everyone. On the basis of this report, further action will be taken for the development and upliftment of all sections,” he added.
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Meanwhile, BJP leader Giriraj Singh opposed the caste census and said, “Caste Census will do nothing more than spreading ‘bhram’ among the poor and public of the state. They should have given a report card that Nitish Kumar ruled the state for 18 years and Lalu Yadav ruled the state for 15 years but did not develop the state. Report card of Caste Census is just an eye wash.”