The Other Backward Classes (OBC) in Bihar,

Описание: The Other Backward Classes (OBC) in Bihar, comprising both Backward Classes (BC) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC), make up a significant portion of the population. According to the 2023 Bihar caste census, OBCs constitute 63.14% of the state’s population (EBC: 36%, BC: 27.1%). Despite their large demographic share, OBCs have historically faced social, educational, and economic challenges, leading to demands for greater representation, reservations, and rights. Socio-Economic Backwardness: OBCs in Bihar, particularly EBCs, often face poverty, limited access to education, and lack of opportunities in employment. The caste census highlights that OBCs, despite being the majority, lag in socio-economic indicators compared to general castes.
2. Political Underrepresentation: While OBCs have significant political influence in Bihar, with parties like RJD and JD(U) championing their cause, there are concerns about equitable representation in policymaking. For instance, posts on X note that OBCs, despite being 63% of Bihar’s population, have only 27% reservation in government jobs and education, compared to 10% for EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) who form 15.5% of the population.
3. Discrimination and Social Stigma: OBC communities often face social discrimination, which hinders their integration into higher-status roles in society. Increased Reservation: OBCs in Bihar have demanded reservations proportional to their population. Posts on X suggest a push for increasing OBC reservation to 43% to better reflect their 63% population share, as opposed to the current 33% (12% BC, 18% EBC, 3% WBC).
2. Sub-Categorization: There is a demand for sub-categorization within OBCs to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits. The Rohini Commission has been working on this at the national level, and states like Bihar have implemented sub-categorization to prioritize EBCs within the OBC quota.
3. Private Sector Reservations: Leaders like Tejashwi Yadav have proposed extending SC/ST/OBC reservations to the private sector in Bihar post-caste census, aiming to address employment disparities.
4. Better Education and Economic Opportunities: OBCs demand improved access to quality education, scholarships, and economic upliftment programs to bridge the gap with forward castes. Constitutional Provisions: OBCs in India, including Bihar, are entitled to 27% reservation in central government jobs and educational institutions, as per the Mandal Commission recommendations. In Bihar, the state provides 33% reservation for OBCs (BC: 12%, EBC: 18%, WBC: 3%).
2. Relaxations in Recruitment: For example, in Bihar Police recruitment, OBC candidates receive relaxations in physical standards like height and chest width, facilitating greater participation.
3. Right to Representation: The Bihar caste census, released in 2023, was a significant step toward recognizing the demographic strength of OBCs, enabling data-driven policies for their upliftment.