The year 2023 in Bihar has left an indelible mark, with notable events ranging from the groundbreaking caste-based survey to the augmentation of reservation quotas, significant strides in teachers' recruitment, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's controversial statements in the Assembly.
The caste-based survey, coupled with the state government's decision to enhance reservation quotas in government jobs and educational institutions, emerged as a pivotal political discourse in Bihar. While the issue extended beyond the state, reverberating from Delhi to other regions, it remained a focal point, even influencing recent Assembly elections in five states. Despite the initial approval for the caste survey by the NDA government, the Grand Alliance government in Bihar successfully navigated legal and political obstacles to conduct the survey.
Building upon the survey's findings, the state government enacted a bill to elevate the reservation quota for Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes from 50 percent to 65 percent.
While the BJP held a national stance against the caste-based survey and subsequent reservation increase, in Bihar, the party rallied behind the bill advocating for the enhanced reservation.
The year 2023 witnessed a significant development in teachers' recruitment, as the Nitish Kumar government appointed over one lakh teachers through the Bihar Public Service Commission. In the preceding assembly elections, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had pledged to offer government jobs to 10 lakh individuals in the first cabinet meeting after forming the government.
Controversy also surrounded Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's statements on population control in the state Assembly, leading to his subsequent apology. Following the backlash, the Chief Minister distanced himself from the media. Nevertheless, he drew criticism from political circles when he admitted in the Assembly that appointing Jitan Ram Manjhi as Chief Minister was a result of his "stupidity."
Throughout the year, various statements made by Nitish Kumar garnered national headlines, underscoring the dynamic and eventful nature of Bihar's political landscape in 2023.
(With Agency Inputs)
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