The Bihar government unveiled the results of its comprehensive survey focused on caste demographics. As per the eagerly anticipated findings, a significant 63 percent of the state's population comprises individuals from the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). The statewide caste census report was officially disclosed during an afternoon press conference, spearheaded by Bihar's Additional Chief Secretary, Vivek Kumar Singh.

The data also reveals that Yadavs, the OBC subgroup to which Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav belongs, make up 14.27 percent of the overall population, while 19.65 percent identify as members of the Dalit community, commonly referred to as the Scheduled Tribes (STs).

EBCs emerged as the most prominent social segment, representing 19 percent of the state's populace, with Scheduled Castes accounting for 1.7 percent. According to the data, Bihar's total population surpasses 13.07 crore, with EBCs constituting the largest social segment, followed closely by the OBCs. The general population comprises 15.5 percent, whereas the Extremely Backward Classes and Backward Classes constitute 36 percent and 27.1 percent of the state's population, respectively.

Furthermore, the survey outlines that Hindus make up 81.99 percent of the state's inhabitants, while the Muslim community comprises 17.70 percent. Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and adherents of other religions have a minimal presence.

In August, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the completion of this survey in the state and the impending public release of the data. He stated, "Backward Class in Bihar is 27.13 percent. The Extremely Backward Class is 36.01 percent, and the General category is 15.52 percent. The total population of Bihar exceeds 13 crore," as affirmed by Bihar's Additional Chief Secretary.

On August 7, the Supreme Court greenlit the caste-based survey in Bihar. The state government, led by Nitish Kumar, uploaded the caste survey data on the BIJAGA (Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana) app on August 12, making it accessible solely to government departments.

However, in August, the Central government raised objections to Bihar's caste-based survey, contending that only the Central government possessed the authority to conduct such an exercise under the relevant law, as this matter falls under the Union list of the Constitution. The apex court had previously questioned the harm in individuals providing their caste or sub-caste details during a caste survey, especially when their personal data would not be published by the state.

In an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the government stated its commitment to taking affirmative actions for the upliftment of SCs/STs/SEBCs and OBCs, in accordance with constitutional provisions and applicable laws. The top court was handling a series of petitions opposing the Patna High Court's August 1 decision to uphold the Bihar government's decision to conduct the caste survey. The high court had authorized the survey, deeming it "perfectly valid" and initiated with due competence, aiming to promote development with justice.

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