During the 26th meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reiterated his longstanding demand for the grant of special category status to Bihar. Kumar also expressed hope that the Centre would consider placing the state’s recent legislations, which raised quotas for deprived castes from 50% to 65%, in the ninth schedule of the Constitution.
“The chief minister urged the Centre to accord special status to Bihar in the meeting,” stated a release from the Chief Minister’s Office. The demand is based on the findings of a caste survey conducted by the grand alliance government in the state.
Kumar highlighted the state’s plan for several welfare measures for deprived families, estimating an expenditure of Rs 2.50 lakh crore. Therefore, he emphasized the need for special status to Bihar.
Additionally, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to place two amendment bills, raising the quota for deprived castes in state government jobs and educational institutions, in the 9th Schedule of the Constitution to make them immune to legal scrutiny.
The meeting was attended by senior ministers from Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
By PTI
