Bihar Caste Census Report 2023, Caste Wise Population, Survey PDF

The Bihar Cabinet has approved a proposal to increase the reservation quota for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) from the current 50% to 75%.

The Caste Survey report revealed that OBCs (27.13%) and the extremely backward classes sub-group (36%) account for a whopping 63% of the state’s total of 13.07 crore, while SCs and STs together were slightly over 21%.

According to the report tabled in the assembly by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary:-

• The state is home to about 2.97 crore families out of which more than 94 lakh (34.13%) live on an income of Rs 6,000 or less a month.
• The decision is expected to give political mileage to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ahead of the general elections in 2024 and cement Mahagathbandhan’s (MGB) prospects in the 2025 state elections.

Bihar Caste Census Report 2023

In a significant revelation, the Bihar state government released the findings of a comprehensive Bihar Caste Census Report 2023 on October 2, 2023, shedding light on the state’s demographic composition. The Bihar Caste survey, which provides a deep insight into Bihar’s population distribution, highlights the prominent presence of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), who together constitute over 63% of the state’s population. This revelation challenges the conventional perception of caste dynamics in Bihar, where the “forward” castes represent a much smaller percentage of the population.

Population Report based on Caste Census of Bihar 2023 Released

On October 2, 2023, the Bihar government unveiled the Population Report based on the Caste Census of Bihar, fulfilling a request from the Nitish Kumar Government. This comprehensive Bihar Caste Census 2023 dataset provides insights into the demographic composition of the state, revealing that Bihar’s population exceeds a staggering 13 Crore individuals.

Bihar Caste-based census Report was unveiled on October 2, 2023, the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) make up 36.01 per cent of Bihar’s vast population, which stands at 13.07 crore. When combined with the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), these two categories together constitute a significant 63% of Bihar’s total population. Check here all about the Caste System in India in detail.

Bihar Caste Wise Census Report 2023 Data

You can check out the Bihar Caste wise census report in percentage wise in below table:-

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Bihar Caste Census Report 2023 PDF

You can get the Bihar census report 2023 for the caste which is released by the Bihar government official. You can Download Bihar Caste census report pdf  for below table:-

Caste wise Population in Bihar 2023

• Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs): 36% of the population.
• Other Backward Classes (OBCs):13% of the population, with Yadavs being the largest sub-group at 14.27%.
• Dalits (Scheduled Castes):65% of the population.
• Scheduled Tribes (STs): Approximately 1.68% of the population.
• Unreserved (Upper Castes): 52% of the total population.

Bihar Caste Census 2023 Religion-Based Data

• Hindus: 99% of the total population.
• Muslims: 70% of the population.
• Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and Others: Together, they make up less than 1% of the population.

Bihar Population 2023 Caste Wise Details

OBCs and EBCs

Total Population is 13,07,25,310 significant and diverse population highlighting the state’s rich tapestry.

OBCs:

• 3,54,63,936 individuals which is 27% of the population.
• A major force in Bihar’s social and political landscape.
• Significant role in shaping the state’s policies and dynamics.

EBCs:

• 4,70,80,514 individuals which is 36% of the population
• A dominant and influential group in Bihar’s society.
• Strong presence in the state’s political sphere, demanding attention and representation.

Forward Castes

In stark contrast, the so-called “forward” castes, often referred to as the “General” category, make up only 15.5% of the state’s population, as per the survey data. This revelation challenges the historical dominance of these castes in various spheres of life in Bihar and highlights the changing dynamics of caste-based politics and representation.

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Scheduled Castes (SCs):

• Approximately 2.6 crore individuals which is 20% of the population
• Despite being less numerous than OBCs and EBCs, they constitute a crucial part of Bihar’s social fabric.
• Require special attention due to historical disadvantage and ongoing challenges.

Scheduled Tribes (STs):

• Approximately 22 lakh people which is 1.6% of the population
• Though numerically less than SCs, their role in the state’s social landscape is vital.
• Require targeted efforts for their upliftment and empowerment.

A Closer Look at Sub-Castes

The survey data, while not exhaustive, provides a glimpse into the percentage-wise breakup of some prominent sub-castes in Bihar.

• This information allows for a more nuanced understanding of the state’s caste dynamics.
• It is essential to recognize that Bihar is home to a myriad of sub-castes, each with its unique social and cultural identity, and this survey offers a starting point for exploring this diversity.

Bihar Population 2023 Caste Composition

• One of the most striking revelations from the survey is the percentage of the population belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), which stands at 27%.
• This figure has long been associated with the quantum of reservation these castes receive in government jobs and educational institutions.
• However, the Mandal Commission, in its 1980 report, estimated the OBC population at a much higher 52%.
• This stark difference has fueled discussions around the efficacy of reservation policies and the need for more equitable representation.

Bihar Caste Census Report 2023 Political Significance

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has strategically woven the caste survey into his political narrative since 2022. He is expected to leverage the survey data to champion the causes of “social justice” and “development with justice.” This move positions Nitish Kumar as a proponent of Mandal politics, drawing parallels to the Mandal report’s implementation in 1990 (Mandal 1.0) and his emphasis on developmental politics during his first full term as Chief Minister in 2005 (Mandal 2.0).

In the forthcoming political landscape, where issues like the Uniform Civil Code and the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya are expected to play a significant role in the BJP’s Lok Sabha campaign, Nitish Kumar is likely to use the survey data to rally for a more inclusive and just society. This move is seen as Nitish’s Mandal 3.0 against the BJP’s Hindutva or ‘kamandal’ politics, according to a senior JD(U) leader.

Bihar Caste Census 2023 Facts for UPSC

• The Bihar Caste Census Report of 2023 has highlighted the significant presence of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) in the state, challenging conventional caste dynamics.
• To move forward, Bihar must reassess
  • Reservation policies
  • Prioritize equitable representation
  • Empower marginalized groups
  • Address sub-caste diversity
  • Promote education and awareness
  • Encourage political dialogue for social justice
  • Ensure data transparency
  • Focus on economic development
  • Engage civil society
  • Maintain a long-term perspective
• This data should serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society in Bihar.

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