Bihar Caste-Based Survey: OBCs Make Up 63% Of Population, General 16%

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• Oct 2, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The Bihar government unveiled the results of its long-anticipated caste-based survey, known as the Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana, on Monday...

Digital Desk: The Bihar government unveiled the results of its long-anticipated caste-based survey, known as the Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana, on Monday. The release of this contentious census data comes just months before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, adding a new dimension to the state's political landscape. According to the survey, the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) constitute a significant majority, making up 63 percent of Bihar's 13-crore population.

The detailed breakdown of the survey reveals a complex social fabric. Scheduled castes account for more than 19 percent of the state's population, while scheduled tribes comprise 1.68 percent. In contrast, the upper castes, often referred to as 'savarnas,' form 15.52 percent of the state's populace.

The report further delineates that the backward classes constitute 27 percent of the population, with the extremely backward classes (EBCs) making up a substantial 36 percent. Collectively, they constitute the numerically powerful OBCs, who have played a dominant role in Bihar's politics since the Mandal Commission era.

Notable figures from the survey include the Bhumihars at 2.86 percent, the Brahmins at 3.66 percent, and the Kurmis, to which Chief Minister Nitish Kumar belongs, at 2.87 percent. Musahars represent 3 percent of the population, while the Yadavas, the community of Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, account for 14 percent.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who faced legal obstacles and opposition from the BJP during the survey process, expressed optimism about the results. He stated, "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 also provides 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."

RJD chief Lalu Yadav hailed the release of the survey as a "historic moment," emphasizing the persistence of the Bihar government despite challenges. "Today, on Gandhi Jayanti, we all have become witness to this historic moment. Despite many conspiracies by the BJP and legal hurdles, the Bihar government released the caste-based survey," he tweeted.

The Bihar government has consistently argued that the survey is crucial for promoting social justice. The fact that the Supreme Court did not intervene in the exercise allowed the state to proceed with its plans, signaling its importance in shaping Bihar's political landscape in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.