Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has proposed to raise caste quotas in the state from 50% to 65%. The proposal includes a 20% quota for Scheduled Castes, 43% for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), and a 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Kumar’s proposal is aimed at providing more opportunities for socially disadvantaged groups in the state. However, it is likely to face legal challenges as the Supreme Court has capped caste quotas at 50%.
The proposal has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed the move, saying that it will help to uplift socially disadvantaged groups. Others have criticized it, saying that it will lead to reverse discrimination against upper castes.
The proposal is expected to be discussed and voted on by the Bihar Legislative Assembly in the coming weeks. If it is passed, it will be sent to the Supreme Court for approval.
Additional Details about the Proposal:
- The proposal would increase the quota for Scheduled Castes from 16% to 20%.
- The proposal would increase the quota for OBCs and EBCs from 34% to 43%.
- The proposal would create a new 10% quota for EWS.
Kumar has said that he is confident that the Supreme Court will approve the proposal. He has said that the court has recognized the need for affirmative action in India and has allowed for some flexibility in the 50% cap.
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However, legal experts are divided on whether the Supreme Court will approve the proposal. Some experts say that the court is unlikely to approve a quota that exceeds 50%. Others say that the court may be more willing to approve the proposal if it is accompanied by measures to ensure that upper castes are not unfairly disadvantaged.
The proposal is a significant one and is likely to have a major impact on Bihar. If it is approved, it will be a major victory for Kumar and his party. However, it is also likely to lead to further debate and controversy over caste quotas in India.
Here are some of the arguments in favor of the proposal:
- It will help to uplift socially disadvantaged groups.
- It is necessary to correct the historical injustices that have been faced by these groups.
- It will provide these groups with more opportunities in education and employment.
Here are some of the arguments against the proposal:
- It will lead to reverse discrimination against upper castes.
- It will create a divided society.
- It is not sustainable in the long term.
The debate over caste quotas is likely to continue for many years to come. It is a complex issue with no easy answers.