The Bihar caste consensus represents a historic development in Indian politics, signifying unanimous bipartisan support for conducting a caste census within the state of Bihar. This demand for a caste-based enumeration has been a persistent one in Bihar, with proponents arguing that it is crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of the caste composition within the population and for ensuring equitable representation of all castes in government initiatives and policies.
In 2022, the Bihar government achieved a momentous milestone by passing a resolution in the state assembly, garnering unanimous support for the implementation of a caste census. This endeavor came to fruition in 2023, with the official release of the census data on October 2nd.
The results of the Bihar caste census unveiled a pivotal revelation: the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) constitute the largest social group in the state, comprising a substantial 36.01% of the population. Additionally, the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) make up 27.12% of the population. When combined, these backward classes account for more than 63% of Bihar's total population.
These census findings hold significant implications. They mark the first comprehensive data on the caste demographics of Bihar in over nine decades, offering invaluable insights to inform government policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of all caste groups in the state.
Moreover, the Bihar caste consensus is of national significance, as it aligns with a broader call for a nationwide caste census in India. While the central government has thus far resisted this demand, the success of the Bihar caste census could potentially bolster the case for conducting a nationwide caste-based enumeration.
In summary, the Bihar caste consensus stands as a landmark event in Indian political history. It represents a unique instance where all political parties have rallied behind the cause of conducting a caste census. The resulting data is poised to exert a profound influence on government policies and programs designed to uplift the lives of individuals across all caste categories in Bihar.