Caste-Based Survey by Bihar and The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution

• Context (TH): The Bihar caste survey showed that the Other Backward Classes and the Extremely Backward Classes constituted 63% of the State’s population.
• According to the report
  • The population of Bihar is 13.07 crore.
  • Hindus comprise 81.9% of the population, while the Muslim share is 17.7%.

• This caste census may lead to the demand for the caste census at an all-India level.
• It may lead to division among OBCs at the national level.
• The Rohini Commission may propose division among OBCs as:
  1. Annexure I [EBC (Extremely Backward Classes)/MBC (Most Backward Classes)/BC1]
  2. Annexure II (OBC/BC2)

Arguments in Favour of Caste Census

• The caste data will help the government:
  • To determine who requires affirmative action.
  • To take affirmative steps in favour of disadvantaged sections of society.
  • To assess the effectiveness of affirmative action.
  • To make evidence-based policies.
• The data on caste is necessary to analyse, monitor and eradicate the caste.

Arguments against the Caste Census

• It may deepen the caste system and shift the focus away from casteless society.
• Caste may play a decisive role in politics.

Caste Census and Muslims

• The survey showed a caste system among Muslims in the State.
• Disadvantaged among Muslims may demand the reservation.

Effect on Reservation

• In the Indira Sawhney vs. Union of India case (1992), the SC accepted the 50% ceiling on reservations in jobs and educational institutions.
• This caste census can open the door for challenging the ceiling of 50% reservations in jobs and educational institutions.