Bihar Caste Census: CM Nitish Kumar calls all-party meet today to discuss caste survey

Reserved seats are given to EBCs at 18%, while backward classes get 12%, SCs 16%, STs 1%, and women from backward sections get 3%

Nitish Kumar called for an all-party meeting on October 3 to discuss policies aimed at helping common people in the wake of the release of the caste survey duty.

Based on survey results, Bihar's ruling alliance is speculated to propose quota increases in jobs and educational institutions for backward castes proportionate to their population.

In the caste-based, which was conducted for the first time since Independence, the government counted all castes and revealed that nearly two-thirds of Biharis come from backward communities. According to the decennial census in India, only members of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are counted.

According to the survey, extremely backward communities (ECB) comprised 112 castes, accounting for 36.01 percent of the population, while backward castes (30 communities) accounted for 27.12 percent. A total of 63.13 percent of the state's population belongs to other backward classes (OBC), the umbrella group containing both backward castes and ethnic backward classes. STs make up 1.68 percent of the population and SCs form 19.65 percent, according to a Hindustan Times report.

Reserved seats are given to EBCs at 18 percent, while backward classes get 12 percent, SCs 16 percent, STs 1 percent and women from backward sections get 3 percent, the report added.

At the meeting, all nine parties represented in the state assembly, including the opposition BJP are expected to attend.

Live Update: Bihar Caste Census LIVE: Nitish Kumar to hold nine-party meeting to discuss findings of census today

Backward classes have been requested a higher quota by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), a constituent of the state's ruling alliance. The RJD chief reiterated the demand on October 2 after the survey report was released. Yadav stated in X that the data would help tailor schemes for weaker and oppressed sections, as well as provide representation to all sections.

In addition to the numerical strength of the caste groups, RJD spokesman Chittaranjan Gagans said their educational, economic, and social status would be discussed at the meeting.

To counter the BJP's attempt to bring less-dominant backward and Dalit groups under the Hindu umbrella, the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc has called for a nationwide caste census. In contrast to the perception that BJP was primarily focused on its traditional vote base, upper castes, the party has included marginalised caste leaders.

Samrat Choudhary, state BJP chief, said they will study the report, which he says they have always supported. According to Sushil Kumar Modi, a BJP Rajya Sabha member, the decision to carry out caste surveys in Bihar was taken when his party was part of the ruling coalition with RJD, Congress and the Left.

(With inputs from agencies)