Bihar on Monday, 2 October, released the results of its caste-based survey, according to which Other Backward Classes (OBCs) form 63 per cent of the state's population.
Key numbers:
Extremely Backward Classes: 36 percent
Backward Classes: 27.1 percent
Scheduled Castes: 19.65 percent
Scheduled Tribes: 1.68 percent
General population: 15.5 percent
The survey, also known as the Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana, further states that the population of Bihar is over 13 crore. Of this, Brahmins constitute 3.66 percent, Kurmis 2.87 percent, Bhumihars 2.86 percent, Yadavs 14 percent, and Musahars 3 percent.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took to X to commend the caste-based survey, and said that key decisions will be taken by the government on the basis of the report's findings.
"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!" he said in Hindi.
“Caste-based survey 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,” the CM added.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre over the report's findings.
"The caste census of Bihar has revealed that OBC + SC + ST are 84% there. Out of 90 secretaries of the Central Government, only 3 are OBC, who handle only 5% of India's budget! Therefore, it is important to know the caste statistics of India. The greater the population, the greater the rights – this is our pledge," Gandhi said on X.
The release of the report comes at a time when the Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the Patna High Court's judgment allowing the Bihar government to conduct a "caste-based headcount". The top court also refused to put an interim stay on the exercise unless those opposing it were able to make out a prima facie case.
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