Bihar notifies increase in caste-based quota to 65%

The Bihar government on Tuesday notified the increase in caste-based quota in education and government jobs, from 50% to 65%, joining only a handful of other states such as Tamil Nadu where the quantum of such reservation exceeds 50%.

- Arun Kumar

The gazette notification came days after governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, on November 18, gave his assent to two bills - the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services Amendment Bill and the Bihar Reservation (Admission In Educational Institutions) Amendment Bill, 2023 - that seek to increase the reservation, setting the stage for a potential shake-up of heartland politics that could elevate caste as a key poll plank for next summer's general elections.

"On analysis of data collected during caste-based survey 2022-23, it is apparent that large section of backward classes, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe need to be promoted for them to catch up to satisfy cherished aim in the Constitution of equality in opportunity and status," the government said in its gazette notification.