The Bihar government released a Population Report based on the Caste Census on October 2, 2023. Learn all there is to know about the Bihar Caste Census Report, Data, and Analysis.
The results of a thorough Bihar Caste Census Report 2023, which shed light on the state's demographic makeup, were recently made public by the Bihar state government. The Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), who together make up over 63% of the state's population according to the Bihar Caste survey, stand out as being disproportionately represented. The conventional understanding of caste dynamics in Bihar, where the "forward" castes make up a significantly smaller percentage of the population, is challenged by this revelation.
Release of the 2023 Bihar Caste Census
In response to a request from the Nitish Kumar administration, the Bihar government released the Population Report based on the Bihar Caste Census on October 2, 2023. This thorough dataset from the Bihar Caste Census of 2023 sheds light on the state's demographic makeup and shows that there are more than 13 crore people living in Bihar.
The Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) make up 36.01 percent of Bihar's enormous population, which totals 13.07 crore as of the October 2, 2023, caste-based census report. Together, the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and these two groups account for a sizeable 63% of Bihar's overall population.
Data from the Bihar Caste Wise Census Report 2023
Backward Classes
Yadav 14.26%
Khushwaha 4.21%
Kurmi 2.87%
Bania 2.31%
Extremely Backward Classes
Kevart 0.2%
Kevat 0.71%
Mallah 2.6%
Teli 2.81%
Nai 1.59%
Dhanuk 2.13%
Gangota 0.4%
Chandravanshi (Kahar) 1.64%
Nonia 1.91%
Prajapati (Kumhar) 1.40%
Badhai 1.45%
Bind 0.98%
Scheduled Castes
Chamar/ Mochi/ Ravidas/ Charmkar 5.25%
Dusadh/ Dhari/ Darahi 5.31%
Mushahar 3.08%
Pasi 0.98%
Mehtar 0.19%
Unreserved
Brahmin 3.65%
Rajput 3.45%
Bhumihar 2.87%
Kayastha 0.60%
Caste-Based Data from the Bihar Caste Census 2023
- 36% of people belong to the very backward classes (EBCs).
- OBCs make approximately 13% of the population, with Yadavs being the largest subgroup with 14.27% of the total.
- 65% of people are Dalits (Scheduled Castes).
- About 1.68% of the population are Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- There are 52% of unreserved people (Upper Castes) in the world.
2023 Bihar Caste Census Data Based on Religion
- 99% of the population is Hindu.
- 70% of the people are Muslims.
- Less than 1% of people identify as Christians, Sikhs, Jains, or any other group.
Details of the Bihar Caste Census Report 2023
OBCs and EBCs
The poll estimates that Bihar currently has a remarkable 13,07,25,310 residents, demonstrating the state's enormous diversity. 3,54,63,936 OBCs, or 27% of the population, make up whereas 4,70,80,514 EBCs, or 36% of the population, make up a sizeable portion. These numbers highlight how important these communities are to Bihar's social and political environment.
Forward Castes
In sharp contrast, the survey data shows that only 15.5% of the state's population belongs to the so-called "forward" castes, also known as the "General" category. The historical dominance of these castes in Bihar's diverse aspects of life is called into question by this revelation, which also underscores the shifting dynamics of caste-based politics and representation.
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Bihar were also made clear by the survey results. Approximately 2.6 crore people, or 20% of the population, are classified as SCs. Those who are classified as STs, however, make up just 1.6% of the population, or about 22 lakh individuals. Despite having numbers that may appear to be less significant than those of OBCs and EBCs, these groups are vital to the social fabric of the state and require special consideration for their empowerment and uplift.
A Review of Sub-Castes
While not thorough, the survey data gives a glimpse into the percentage breakdown of some important sub-castes in Bihar. A more complex understanding of the caste dynamics in the state is now possible thanks to this knowledge. This survey is a good place to start when examining the multiplicity of sub-castes found in Bihar, each of which has its own distinct social and cultural identity.
Bihar Caste Census Report 2023 Caste Composition
The survey's finding that 27% of the population belongs to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) is among its most startling findings. This number has long been linked to the amount of preference these castes receive in public employment and educational settings. However, the Mandal Commission assessed the OBC population at a substantially higher 52% in its 1980 report. Discussions on the effectiveness of reservation laws and the need for more fair representation have been sparked by this sharp contrast.
Political Significance of Bihar Caste Census Report 2023
Since 2022, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has cleverly incorporated the caste survey into his political story. He is anticipated to use the poll results to advance the causes of "social justice" and "development with justice." This action frames Nitish Kumar as a supporter of Mandal politics, drawing comparisons between his emphasis on developmental politics during his first full term as Chief Minister in 2005 (Mandal 2.0) and the 1990 implementation of the Mandal report.
Nitish Kumar is likely to utilise the poll results to advocate for a more inclusive and just society in the next political environment, where topics like the Uniform Civil Code and the dedication of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya are anticipated to play a prominent role in the BJP's Lok Sabha campaign. According to a top JD(U) politician, this action is considered as Nitish's Mandal 3.0 against the BJP's Hindutva or "kamandal" tactics.
Important Facts of Bihar Caste Census 2023 for UPSC
The extreme prevalence of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) in the state, which challenges traditional caste dynamics, was noted in the Bihar Caste Census Report of 2023. Bihar must reconsider its reservation policies in order to advance, as well as prioritise equitable representation, strengthen marginalised groups, address sub-caste diversity, advance education and awareness, encourage political dialogue for social justice, ensure data transparency, concentrate on economic development, involve civil society, and keep a long-term perspective. This information ought to act as a spur to progress, promoting a more inclusive and equal society in Bihar.
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