Bihar's Caste Survey: Over 50 Lakh People Living Outside For Livelihood

The Bihar Caste Survey Report, presented by the Nitish Kumar-led government to the assembly on Tuesday, indicates that 34.1% of the state's households fall under the category of poverty, earning less than Rs 6,000 per month. Furthermore, the survey highlights that more than 50 lakh residents of Bihar have relocated to other regions for employment or educational opportunities.

The Bihar government presented its caste survey report to the assembly, which included detailed insights into the economic status of 215 different social groups, such as Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and Extremely Backward Classes. Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, while reading out the report, disclosed that approximately 42% of individuals from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, 33% from the Backward Classes, and 25% from the General Castes in Bihar are living in poverty.

Regarding education, the government noted that merely 7% of the population has attained a graduate degree, while 22.67% have completed their education up to Class-5. The report also revealed that 14.33% of the population has education ranging from Classes 6 to 8, and 14.71% have completed their studies up to Class 10. In addition, 9.19% of the population has completed their education up to Class 12.

The initial segment of the caste census report was released on October 2, providing information on various aspects, including the average income and educational qualifications of the people of Bihar.

Critics, primarily the Bharatiya Janata Party, have raised concerns about the report's accuracy, accusing the Bihar government of manipulating caste numbers for political gains and appeasement politics.