The Bihar Caste-based Survey 2022 presents significant insights into the state's demographic composition. Notably, approximately 63% of Bihar's population is classified as extremely backward classes (EBCs) and other backward classes (OBCs), establishing them as the predominant caste group in the region.
The initiative for this comprehensive caste census traces back to resolutions passed by the Bihar legislature in 2019 and 2020 advocating for a caste-based survey. Following the Union government's decision against conducting a national caste census, Bihar took the initiative to carry out its own survey in 2022, allocating a budget of Rs. 500 crore for this crucial project.
This extensive survey documented information from approximately 29 million households through a meticulous two-phase counting exercise, ensuring a thorough representation of the state's diverse population.
The findings reveal that EBCs, encompassing 112 distinct castes, represent 36.01% of the population, while OBCs, which include 29 castes, account for 27.12%. Within the OBC group, Yadavs emerge as the dominant caste, holding a significant 14.26% share. Scheduled Castes contribute 19.65% to the population, and the general unreserved category stands at 15.52%.
The implications of this survey are profound, particularly regarding reservation quotas in Bihar. It is anticipated that the findings will prompt an increase in reservation quotas to align with the demographic proportions indicated by the survey. This shift could challenge the existing 50% ceiling on reservations set by the Supreme Court.
The survey's results have ignited discussions surrounding caste composition and political representation in Bihar. Analysts suggest that these findings may undermine the influence of "Hindutva forces" in forthcoming elections, reigniting the political narrative of "mandal versus kamandal" (backward versus forward) politics within the state.
Given that marginalized sections constitute a staggering 85% of Bihar's population, the survey's results are likely to pressure political parties to launch and implement enhanced welfare schemes targeted at these groups. This could lead to an increased focus on socio-economic upliftment.
The Bihar government plans to unveil the socio-economic profile derived from the survey during the upcoming winter session of the State legislature, providing further insights into the population's characteristics and needs.
Q1. What did the Bihar Caste-based Survey 2022 reveal?
Answer: The survey indicated that 63% of Bihar's population consists of EBCs and OBCs, with significant implications for reservation quotas and welfare schemes.
Q2. Why was the Bihar Caste-based Survey conducted?
Answer: The survey was conducted after the Union government declined to carry out a national caste census, prompting Bihar to allocate Rs. 500 crore for its own survey in 2022.
Q3. How will the survey affect reservation policies in Bihar?
Answer: The findings are expected to lead to an increase in reservation quotas, potentially challenging the Supreme Court's 50% ceiling on reservations.
Q4. What are the political implications of the survey findings?
Answer: The results could alter political dynamics by weakening "Hindutva forces" and reviving the debate between backward and forward caste politics in Bihar.
Q5. When will the socio-economic profile be released?
Answer: The Bihar government plans to release the socio-economic profile during the upcoming winter session of the State legislature, providing further insights into the population.
Question 1: What percentage of Bihar's population is classified as EBCs and OBCs according to the 2022 survey?
A) 50%
B) 63%
C) 70%
D) 40%
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which caste group is identified as the largest within the OBC category in Bihar?
A) Scheduled Castes
B) Yadavs
C) Brahmins
D) Other Backward Classes
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the allocated budget for the Bihar Caste-based Survey 2022?
A) Rs. 200 crore
B) Rs. 500 crore
C) Rs. 800 crore
D) Rs. 300 crore
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is the expected impact of the survey on reservation quotas in Bihar?
A) Decrease in quotas
B) No impact
C) Increase in quotas
D) Quotas will remain the same
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: When does the Bihar government plan to release the socio-economic profile based on the survey?
A) Summer session
B) Winter session
C) No specific date
D) Monsoon session
Correct Answer: B
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