The survey results have sparked skepticism and potential controversy, with concerns they may intensify caste tensions in Bihar. It’s crucial for government and civil society to collaborate, ensuring the results are leveraged positively and constructively.
PATNA (India CSR): The Bihar caste survey, also known as the Bihar Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) (Bihar Caste Survey), is a survey of the population of Bihar, India, by caste and socioeconomic status. The survey was conducted by the Nitish Kumar government in 2022 and the results were released in 2023.
The survey is the first of its kind in India to be conducted at the state level. It is also the first caste survey to be conducted in India since 1931.
Key Findings
The key findings of the Bihar caste survey are as follows:
- The Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) are the largest social segment in Bihar, with a population of 36% of the total.
- The Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are the second largest social segment in Bihar, with a population of 27.13% of the total.
- Together, the EBCs and OBCs comprise 63% of the state’s total population.
- The Yadavs, an OBC group, are the largest caste in Bihar, with a population of 14.27% of the total.
- Hindus comprise 81.99% of the population, Muslims 17.7 per cent, Christians 0.05 per cent, Sikhs 0.01 per cent, Buddhists 0.08 per cent and other religions 0.12 per cent.
Implications of the Survey
The Bihar caste survey has a number of implications for the state and for India as a whole.
For Bihar, the survey provides valuable data on the social composition of the population. This data can be used to design and implement policies and programs that are more responsive to the needs of different social groups.
For India, the Bihar caste survey is a significant development as it is the first caste survey to be conducted in the country in over 90 years. The survey provides valuable data on the social composition of the Indian population, which can be used to inform policymaking and to track changes in social inequality over time.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Bihar caste survey also poses a number of challenges and opportunities.
One challenge is that the survey results have been met with some skepticism and controversy. Some critics have alleged that the survey was conducted in a biased manner and that the results were manipulated to benefit the Nitish Kumar government.
Another challenge is that the survey results could be used to exacerbate caste tensions in Bihar. The survey shows that the EBCs and OBCs are the two largest social groups in the state. These groups have traditionally been marginalized and have faced discrimination. The survey results could be used to further marginalize these groups and to create divisions between them.
Despite the challenges, the Bihar caste survey also presents a number of opportunities. The survey provides valuable data that can be used to design and implement policies and programs that are more responsive to the needs of different social groups. The survey can also be used to track changes in social inequality over time.
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