New Delhi: The Bihar government on Monday released the report of its caste census, which showed that the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) constitute the largest population group in the state at 63%, followed by the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) at 36% and the General category at 16%.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his predecessor Lalu Yadav hailed the survey report, saying that it would help the government in formulating better policies for the welfare of the backward classes.
However, the BJP, which is the largest opposition party in Bihar, dismissed the survey report as “just an eye-wash” and said that it was not going to make any difference in the lives of the backward classes.
The BJP has been opposing the caste census from the beginning, arguing that it could create social divisions and unrest in the state.
The release of the caste census report is likely to have a significant impact on the political landscape of Bihar, especially in the run-up to the next assembly elections.
According to the caste census report, the OBCs in Bihar include 127 castes, while the EBCs include 113 castes. The General category includes 7 castes.
The report also found that the OBCs and EBCs are socio-economically disadvantaged compared to the General category. For example, the literacy rate among the OBCs is 62.8%, while the literacy rate among the General category is 71.2%.
Implications of the report
The release of the caste census report is likely to have a number of implications for the political landscape of Bihar. First, it could lead to a greater demand for reservation in education and government jobs for the OBCs and EBCs.
Second, it could lead to a consolidation of the OBC and EBC vote banks behind Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav.
Third, it could put the BJP on the defensive, especially in the run-up to the next assembly elections.
It remains to be seen how the BJP will respond to the caste census report. However, one thing is clear: the report is likely to have a significant impact on the politics of Bihar in the years to come.