Patna, The demand for Bihar’s special category status has reignited, fueled by the recent release of the caste survey report and its accompanying socio-economic data. Despite a decade and a half of appeals by the state government, the status eluded Bihar even during the Congress-led UPA government from 2004 to 2014.
RJD leader and Deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, joined by ministerial colleagues, renewed the demand following a state cabinet resolution. The resolution calls upon the Centre to take action, backed by the socio-economic insights from the Bihar caste survey report. Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary emphasized the relevance of the demand, citing the economic disparities revealed in the report.
Choudhary argued that despite Bihar’s commendable performance in various parameters, the state still grapples with poverty and requires special financial assistance to bridge the gap with more developed states. He criticized the absence of special central sector schemes for Bihar in recent years, deeming it discriminatory.
The minister proposed a 90:10 sharing ratio in centrally sponsored schemes, potentially saving Rs30,000 to Rs40,000 crore annually for the state. He underlined the need for Rs50,000 crore annually, as outlined in Bihar’s blueprint for poverty alleviation based on the caste and socio-economic data.
Highlighting the plight of landless and homeless families, Choudhary outlined the state government’s plan to allocate funds for small industries, land, and housing. RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav underscored the state’s commitment to welfare measures, projecting an expenditure of Rs2.50 lakh crore.
While Bihar’s economic indicators show improvement, ministers argue that the special status would expedite development schemes, bringing the state closer to the national average. The debate continues as Bihar seeks recognition and assistance to address its unique socio-economic challenges.
