OBCs and EBCs are 63% of Bihar’s population: Socio-economic caste survey

The Bihar government on Monday released the first part of the caste-based socio-economic survey in Patna, which revealed that other backward classes and extremely backward castes account for 63% of the state’s population of 130,725,310.

For the first time any state has released caste-based population data, a development that is expected to add a critical new factor to campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. As per the survey, conducted in two phases between January 7 and August 5, EBCs form the largest chunk of the state population, with a 36% share, while OBCs account for 27.12%. The population of the Scheduled Castes has increased to 19.65% from 16% in the 2011 general census.

Muslims account for 17.70%, up from 16. 9% as per the general census of 2011. The population of Hindus is 81.99%, as against 82.7% in 2011. Among OBCs, Yadavs are the dominant group, with a 14.26% share in population, followed by Kushwahas (4.21%).

Kurmis account for 2.87%. The general category population stands at 15.52%, of which upper caste Muslims account for about 5%. Brahmins, Rajputs, Bhumihars and Kayasthas account for 10.56% of the total population.

Among SCs, Paswans have the highest share (5.31%), followed by Ravidas (Mochi, Chamar), at 5.25%, and Mushar (Manjhi) at 3.08%. Chief minister Nitish Kumar welcomed the survey and said it will form the basis of policy formulations of the government. He has called an allparty meeting on Tuesday where a presentation of the survey findings will be made before the leaders. “This survey has not only provided caste data that was pending for years but has also given concrete reference to their socio-economic status,” deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav told media persons.

State minister Sanjay Jha told ET, “The findings are a historic leapfrog to the new era of governance, an epoch-making decision in independent India. These findings shall turn out to be a decisive tool in tailoring our policies to the needs and aspirations of different castes and classes