The Bihar government has released the second tranche of data from its caste-based survey, shedding light on the economic conditions of various communities in the state. According to the report, more than 42% of families from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are classified as poor, along with over 33% of families from Backward and Extremely Backward Classes (BC/EBC). The report also reveals that 25.09% of General Category families are listed as poor.
The survey found that less than 6% of SC families had completed their schooling, while the number rises slightly to 9% across the state. The first set of data released last month revealed that over 60% of Bihar’s population belongs to BC/EBC, and more than 20% come from SC/ST communities.
The economic data from the survey paints a grim picture, especially in a state where marginalized communities and backward classes make up over 80% of the population. It shows that 34.13% of all families in Bihar earn up to Rs 6,000 per month, and 29.61% survive on Rs 10,000 or less. Additionally, nearly 28% live on an income between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000, while less than 4% earn over Rs 50,000 per month.
The report reveals that 42.93% of SC families and 42.70% of ST families are categorized as poverty-stricken. Among BC/EBC communities, this number is 33.16% and 33.58% respectively. For other castes, 23.72% of all families are poor. Only 25.09% of General Category families are listed as poor.
The survey also highlights the literacy rates in Bihar, with an overall rate of 79.7%. Only 22.67% of respondents had studied till Class 5, but this increases to 24.31% for SC and 24.65% for EBC communities. Among the General Category, this figure is just 17.45%. Furthermore, only 5.76% of SC respondents had completed schooling up to Class 11 and 12, increasing marginally to 9% for all respondents.
The release of the first tranche of data last month sparked demands for a nationwide caste census. The issue has become politically significant ahead of elections in five states and the 2024 Lok Sabha poll. The BJP, which was previously hesitant to support the demand, has indicated a change in its stance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the party had never opposed the exercise and would conduct a survey after careful consideration.
The Congress party has been vocal about its support for a caste census. It plans to conduct surveys in states it wins in this month’s polls and has expressed its intention to hold a national-level survey if the party wins next year.
The Bihar caste-based survey provides crucial insights into the economic conditions and literacy rates of different communities in the state. The data highlights the challenges faced by marginalized and backward classes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address poverty and improve education levels.
