NEW DELHI: The Mahagathbandhan allies in Bihar on Wednesday unveiled a 10-point “Ati Pichda Nyay Sankalp Patra” aimed at Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled later this year.The launch was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress MP and Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani.Kharge announced that the measures would be implemented once the Mahagathbandhan comes to power in Bihar. “We will implement a 10-point program when we come to power in Bihar…We have to uplift those belonging to the Backwards Classes, the Dalits and others who are deprived of their rights…,” Kharge said.Gandhi reiterated his demand for a caste census and alleged that weaker sections of society “do not receive the participation they deserve.”“Even today in this country, there are Extremely Backward Classes, Backward Classes, Dalits, tribals, and minorities, all of whom don’t receive the participation they deserve. The entire country recognises this truth. We want to conduct a caste census and show the true population of Dalits, Extremely Backward Classes, and Backward Classes in this country. The entire country should know the population of minorities, tribals, and the poor general castes. That is our ideology,” he stated.The Congress ex-chief also promised to “tear apart” the 50 per cent reservation “wall.” What are the 10 promises of Mahagathbandhan?According to the “Ati Pichda Nyay Sankalp Patra,” the Mahagathbandhan, if elected, would implement the following measures for backward classes:
- Pass an “Ati Pichda Atyachaar Nivaran” Adhiniyam (Extremely Backward Atrocity Prevention Act)
- Raise existing 20 per cent EBC reservation to 30 per cent in panchayats and urban local bodies)
- Increase the 50 per cent reservation limit in proportion to the population
- “Not found suitable” concept in selection process for appointments to be declared illegal
- Committees to be formed in matters related to under- or over-inclusion in EBC lists
- Landless individuals to get 3 decimals of residential land in urban areas and 5 decimals in rural areas
- Reserve half of the reserved seats for enrollment in private schools
- A provision of 50 per cent reservation in government contracts/supply works up to Rs 25 crore
- Reservation for enrollment in all private educational institutions of the state under Article 15(5) of the Constitution
- A high-powered Reservation Regulatory Authority to oversee reservations
The 2023 Bihar caste census found that EBCs make up 36 per cent of the state’s population of over 13 crore, making them the largest single social group after the combined backward classes.
