Nitish Kumar demands special status to Bihar at key meeting chaired by Amit Shah

Digital Desk: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pressed for the long-standing demand for special category status for the state during the 26th meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Kumar also expressed hope that the Centre would consider placing the state's recent legislations, increasing quotas for deprived castes from 50% to 65%, in the ninth schedule of the Constitution.

The Ninth Schedule comprises laws immune to court challenges, and Kumar's plea aligns with Bihar's persistent quest for special status since 2010. The recent demand stems from the findings of a caste survey conducted by the Grand Alliance government, justifying the need for elevated support.

In his statement, Kumar outlined the state's ambitious welfare measures for underprivileged families, projecting an expenditure of ₹2.50 lakh crore. 

Consequently, he emphasized the imperative for Bihar to receive special status. Additionally, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to expedite the placement of two amendment bills, raising quotas for deprived castes, in the 9th Schedule. This move would shield them from legal scrutiny, as reservations for backward classes were capped at 50% by the Supreme Court in 1992.

Highlighting the bipartisan support for these bills within the Bihar BJP, Kumar urged swift inclusion in the Constitution's 9th Schedule during the meeting attended by senior ministers from Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand. 

The Chief Minister's articulation of Bihar's socio-economic needs and the strategic push for constitutional protection underscores the state's ongoing pursuit of equitable development.