According to the survey results, backward classes constitute 27.12 percent of the population, with extremely backward classes comprising 36.01 percent. The general category accounts for 15.52 percent of Bihar’s total population, which exceeds 13 crores.
In a move that reinforces the demand for a nationwide caste census, the Bihar government unveiled the results of a caste survey on Monday. The survey reveals that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) collectively make up a significant 63.13 percent of the state’s population, which stands at 13.07 crore, while the upper castes account for 15.52 percent.
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Bihar Caste Based Census Results
Within the category of backward classes, Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) constituted over a third of the population, accounting for 36.01 percent (4.70 crore), while the remaining Other Backward Classes (OBCs) represented 27.12 percent (3.54 crore).
The Scheduled Castes or Dalits were reported at 19.65 percent (2.56 crore), and the Scheduled Tribes made up 1.68 percent (21.99 lakh) of the population. Finally, the general category encompassed 2.02 crore individuals, as indicated by the findings of the caste survey.
On October 2, which coincided with Gandhi Jayanti, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar released the statistics. The collection and release of this data encountered various legal challenges and is widely viewed as a political message directed towards his adversaries.
These figures are expected to intensify the demand for expanding reservations for the OBCs and other marginalized segments of society.
In terms of caste demographics, the Yadavs held the largest share, constituting 14.26 percent, which is equivalent to 1.86 crore individuals. Yadavs are categorized as OBCs, and the current Deputy Chief Minister, Tejashwi Yadav, belongs to this community.
Kurmis, another OBC community to which Nitish Kumar belongs, were reported at 2.87 percent of the population, totaling 37.22 lakh. Additionally, Kushwahas accounted for 4.21 percent, totaling 55.05 lakh individuals.
Brahmins constituted 3.65 percent of the population, totaling 47.81 lakh individuals. Another upper caste community, the Rajputs, were reported at 3.45 percent, with a count of 45.10 lakh. Bhumihars, a land-owning upper caste, to which Congress state president Akhilesh Prasad Singh belongs, were estimated at 2.86 percent, equivalent to 37.5 lakh.
Kayasthas, primarily associated with the accounting profession, made up 0.6 percent of the population, with a population of 7.85 lakh. The survey also presented religious demographics, with Hindus comprising the majority at 81.99 percent (10.71 crore), followed by Muslims at 17.7 percent (2.31 crore), and Buddhists at 0.08 percent (1.11 lakh).
Christians accounted for 0.05 percent (75,238), Sikhs for 0.01 percent (14,753), and Jains for 0.009 percent (12,523) of the population. Additionally, there were 1.66 lakh individuals following other religions, while 2,146 reported having no religious affiliation.
Nitish emphasized that the caste survey findings were released on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, as he was a staunch advocate against caste discrimination. He also emphasized that the proposal for this enumeration had received unanimous approval in the Bihar Assembly, with all nine parties, including the BJP, in agreement.
“The state government has conducted a caste-based census using its own resources. This census not only unveiled the various castes but also provided insights into the economic status of individuals. Based on this data, we will initiate measures for the progress and betterment of all segments of society.
In the near future, we will convene a meeting with the same nine parties from the Bihar Assembly to discuss the results of the caste-based census conducted in Bihar and inform them accordingly,” he stated. Lalu Prasad, the patriarch of the RJD and an ally of Nitish, expressed that this endeavor would establish a precedent for “a nationwide caste census, which will be conducted when we assume power at the national level.”
This underscores the collective stance of the united Opposition, I.N.D.I.A., in their electoral campaign for the 2024 elections. The Congress party also joined this sentiment, with its prominent leader Rahul emphasizing the party’s slogan of ‘representation according to population.’
| Population | 13,07,25,310 |
| OBC | 3.54 crore (27.12%) |
| EBC | 4.70 crore (36.01%) |
| SC | 2.56 crore (19.65%) |
| ST | 21.99 lakh (1.68%) |
| General | 2.02 crore (15.52%) |
The caste survey had faced initial challenges, with the Patna High Court initially issuing an injunction on the survey before later confirming its validity and legality. Furthermore, the Supreme Court found no grounds to halt the survey.
Castes:
- Yadavs: 1.86 crore (14.26%)
- Kurmis: 37.22 lakh (2.87%)
- Kushwahas: 55.05 lakh (4.21%)
- Brahmins: 47.81 lakh (3.65%)
- Rajputs: 45.10 lakh (3.45%)
- Bhumihars: 37.5 lakh (2.86%)
- Kayasthas: 7.85 lakh (0.60%)
Religion/Count:
- Hindu: 10.71 crore (81.99%)
- Islam: 2.31 crore (17.70%)
- Christians: 75238 (0.05%)
- Sikh: 14753 (0.01%)
- Buddhist: 1.11 lakh (0.08%)
- Jain: 12523 (0.009%)
- Others: 1.66 lakh (0.12%)
- No Religion: 2146 (0.001%)
The caste survey had faced initial challenges, with the Patna High Court initially issuing an injunction on the survey before later confirming its validity and legality. Furthermore, the Supreme Court found no grounds to halt the survey.
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