Nitish Kumar enforces a domicile-based 35% women’s reservation in Bihar, focusing on empowering local women, youth development, and job creation ahead of assembly elections.
A Paradigm Shift in Women’s Reservation Policy
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has taken a decisive step towards empowering local women by restricting the 35% reservation in government jobs to those born in Bihar or possessing a domicile certificate. It’s now a general category for women from other states. This move aligns Bihar with states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, where domicile-based reservations already exist.
This landmark decision follows public criticism over the government’s failure to enforce a local quota during teacher recruitment drives. By prioritizing native women, the Nitish Kumar administration hopes to increase employment prospects for Bihar’s female population and secure their support in the upcoming assembly elections.
Eligibility Criteria Tightened for Reservation
Under the new policy, only women who meet specific domicile requirements are eligible. The criteria include:
Birth in Bihar.
Residency in the state for at least three years.
Ownership of property within Bihar.
Marriage to a Bihar resident.
Applicants must present a valid domicile certificate issued by the district authorities. Supporting documents such as a birth certificate, voter ID, residence certificate, and ration card are mandatory.
Women from other states, even those living and working in Bihar, along with migrant workers and temporary residents without domicile certificates, are now excluded from this quota.
“This is a historic stride for the empowerment of Bihari women. The government’s unwavering commitment is evident in this bold decision,” stated Lasi Singh, Bihar’s Food and Consumer Protection Minister.
Youth Commission to Shape Bihar’s Future
In tandem with women-centric reforms, Nitish Kumar has sanctioned the creation of the Bihar Youth Commission. The body will cater to individuals aged 18 to 45, focusing on education, employment, and overall welfare. It will consist of a chairman, two vice-chairpersons, and seven members.
The commission’s primary objective is to formulate strategic plans that create opportunities within Bihar and support youth aspirations beyond the state’s borders. According to Additional Chief Secretary AS Siddharth, “This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the aspirations of our young citizens.”
Skill Development and Financial Assistance Initiatives
Jannayak Karpuri Thakur Skill University was established as part of the Saat Nishchai project, according to Nitish Kumar. The institution will provide industry-specific training, nurturing self-employment and entrepreneurship among Bihar’s youth.
Additionally, under the Sambal scheme for Divyangjan empowerment, disabled candidates clearing UPSC or BPSC preliminaries will receive ₹50,000, while those passing the mains will get ₹1 lakh. These incentives aim to support disabled aspirants in navigating the competitive landscape of civil services.
Infrastructure Expansion and Employment Goals
Nitish Kumar reaffirmed the employment agenda of his government and announced plans to form a high-level committee to map out a plan for creating one crore jobs by 2030. Between 2005 and 2020, his administration facilitated eight lakh government appointments, demonstrating its sustained commitment to employment creation.
To strengthen connectivity for migrant workers, the state government approved ₹105.82 crore for launching 300 interstate bus services. Of these, 75 luxury AC and 74 semi-AC buses have been deployed, while 150 more will operate under a public-private partnership model. Kumar also urged the central government to introduce special trains during festive seasons, ensuring smooth travel for Bihari migrants.
A Calculated Move Ahead of Elections
With these sweeping reforms, Nitish Kumar is positioning himself as a champion of women’s empowerment and youth development. The domicile-based women’s reservation, coupled with skill enhancement programs and job creation plans, is designed to consolidate voter support ahead of the crucial assembly elections.
This comprehensive approach underscores his vision of a self-reliant Bihar, where local talent is nurtured, and residents are prioritized in employment opportunities.
