In a notable development, the Bihar government has disbursed a substantial sum of ₹212.77 crore to remunerate officials, educators, and staff who contributed to the extensive caste survey endeavor. This allocation, facilitated through the real-time gross settlement (RTGS) mechanism, is aimed at compensating those who played a pivotal role in this ambitious initiative.
The disbursement pattern demonstrates that Patna, as the capital city, has received the lion’s share with an impressive ₹11.49 crore, closely trailed by Muzaffarpur at ₹10.16 crore, Motihari at ₹9.57 crore, and Gaya at ₹9.30 crore. Interestingly, even Arwal, the smallest district in Bihar, has secured a commendable ₹1.59 crore from this allocation.
However, it’s important to note that this fund release should not be misconstrued as an outright endorsement for expenditure. Stringent adherence to the Bihar Budget Rules, budget manual, and pertinent financial regulations is expected during the disbursement process. This crucial detail was articulated in a communication from Rajnish Kumar, the Deputy Secretary to the Government, to all district magistrates.
The teachers, predominantly engaged in the caste survey activities, have voiced their grievances over delayed payment, despite having completed their assignments approximately a month ago. The caste survey, conducted in two phases, commenced on January 7 and concluded on January 21 for the first round, while the second round was slated to run from April 15 to May 15 but was temporarily halted following a high court directive. It was subsequently reinitiated on August 1, following approval from the high court.
Notably, the Patna High Court dismissed writ petitions challenging the caste survey initiated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Grand Alliance government on August 1, enabling the government to proceed with the survey—a measure deemed “essential and imperative to further the cause of social justice” by the CM.
The matter was subsequently contested in the Supreme Court, where a verdict is still awaited. However, the apex court refrained from imposing a stay on the high court’s order, emphasizing that unless there is a “prima facie case to show the violation of any constitutional right or lack of competence,” the publication of the cumulative survey findings cannot be restrained.
Finally, on October 2, 2023, the Bihar government unveiled the much-anticipated caste survey data. The findings revealed that Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) constitute 36.01% of the population, with Backward Classes at 27.12%, Upper Castes at 15.52%, Scheduled Castes at 19.65%, and Scheduled Tribes at 1.68%. Among the Backward Classes, Yadavs represent 14.26% of the population, while Kushwaha and Kurmi account for 4.27% and 2.87%, respectively.
It’s worth noting that the Bihar cabinet had originally estimated an expenditure of ₹500 crore for conducting the comprehensive caste survey, with funding to be sourced from the contingency fund. Nevertheless, the survey findings have ignited allegations from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing the government of manipulating figures to favor certain castes, and claiming that the survey was incomplete, leaving many uncounted.
This significant development underscores the complexities surrounding the caste survey in Bihar and the broader implications it carries for the state’s political landscape.
