Patna, The Bihar state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has approved the proposal to forward recommendations to the Centre for including amended reservation acts in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. This decision follows the recent notification of enhanced quotas for reserved categories in government jobs and educational admissions.
S Siddharth, Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet), stated that the cabinet, during its session chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, discussed and approved a total of 40 agenda items, including the proposal to seek inclusion in the Ninth Schedule. The move aims to provide judicial immunity to acts that increased reservations to 65% in jobs and admissions.
The decision is seen as a strategic step to shield the increased quotas for deprived sections from judicial review. Acts included in the Ninth Schedule enjoy immunity unless challenged through a constitutional amendment. Siddharth highlighted the precedent set by Tamil Nadu, which has 69% reservation, protected by its inclusion in the Ninth Schedule.
In addition to the reservation-related decision, the cabinet reiterated its demand for special state status for Bihar. This demand is in response to the findings of a caste-based economic survey, revealing 94 lakh families across all castes below the poverty line. The state government plans to implement various welfare measures, including financial assistance for jobs, land purchase, and housing construction, in response to the survey.
The proposed schemes, aimed at addressing economic disparities, are estimated to cost around ₹2.50 lakh crore. The state government, advocating for special status since 2010, has renewed its plea, emphasizing the need for accelerated progress and economic upliftment.
In other decisions, the cabinet approved a 4% increase in dearness allowance for state government employees and pensioners, effective from July 1. Additionally, the draft of the Bihar logistics policy 2023 was approved, offering incentives and subsidies for investors in logistics parks. The cabinet also gave the green light to a ₹1,810 crore investment proposal for a 185MW solar power project in Kajra.
