Bihar Seeks Constitutional Protection for Increased Reservations

Bihar Seeks Constitutional Protection for Increased Reservations

VoM News Desk | November 22, 2023 | 10:59 PM IST | Bihar | Follow on Google News

Bihar Seeks Constitutional Protection for Increased Reservations

Bihar Seeks Constitutional Protection for Increased Reservations

The Bihar government has resolved to request the Central government to include the newly increased reservation percentages for deprived castes in state government jobs and educational institutions in the Constitution’s 9th Schedule. This move aims to shield the hike from 50% to 65% from legal challenges. The 9th Schedule provides a protective shield, making laws placed under it immune to judicial review. This decision follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that set a 50% cap on reservations.

Enhancement of Reservation Quotas

The decision to increase the reservation quotas was formalized after Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar approved two bills. The Nitish Kumar-led government has now increased the quota for Scheduled Castes (SC) from 16% to 20%, Scheduled Tribes (STs) from 1% to 2%, Extremely Backward Castes (EBCs) from 18% to 25%, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from 15% to 18%. This amendment escalates the overall reservation in the state from 50% to 65%, following an extensive caste survey and subsequent legislative actions in the Bihar Assembly.

Dearness Allowance Hike for Government Employees

In another significant decision, the Bihar Cabinet has approved a 4% increase in the dearness allowance for state government employees. This hike, effective from July 1, 2023, raises the DA to 46%. According to Additional Chief Secretary S Siddharth, this increase will lead to an additional expenditure of around Rs 966 crore by the state government.

Commitment to Social Justice

The Bihar government’s initiatives reflect its commitment to social justice and equitable representation. The proposal to safeguard the increased reservation under the 9th Schedule of the Constitution is a strategic move to ensure the longevity and stability of these changes, aimed at benefiting the deprived and backward sections of society.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.