Bihar Reserves 35% Job Quota for Women to State Residents; Forms Youth Commission Ahead of Elections

In a key policy shift ahead of the upcoming state elections, the Bihar cabinet on Tuesday decided to limit the existing 35% reservation for women in government jobs exclusively to permanent residents of the state. The move is seen as a response to increasing demands from job seekers and political parties for a domicile-based policy in public sector employment.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and is expected to impact thousands of job aspirants in Bihar and outside.

“The 35% quota for women in government jobs will now apply only to permanent residents of Bihar. This will boost financial independence and job security for local women,” said S Siddhartha, Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet Secretariat), after the meeting.

Background: Reservation Policy Update

The 35% women’s quota was introduced by the Nitish Kumar government in 2016 and was open to candidates from across India. Under the new policy, non-domicile women will no longer be eligible for this reservation in Bihar government jobs.

Formation of Bihar Youth Commission

In another major development, the cabinet approved the formation of the Bihar Youth Commission, aimed at increasing employment opportunities, enhancing skill development, and streamlining the recruitment process for young people in the state.

The commission will consist of:

• 1 Chairperson

• 2 Vice-Chairpersons

• 7 Members

• Maximum age limit: 45 years

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stated on social media that the commission will also focus on promoting local hiring in the private sector, ensuring that youth from Bihar are prioritized.

Earlier, on July 1, the state government had approved a stipend of ₹4,000–₹6,000 per month for 100,000 skilled interns for five years, with a total budget allocation of ₹685.76 crore.

Increased Pension for Widows and Differently Abled

The cabinet also increased the monthly pension for widowed and differently abled women from ₹400 to ₹1,000. This move is aimed at improving the financial stability of vulnerable groups in the state.

Additionally, financial incentives were approved for physically challenged aspirants preparing for major competitive exams:

• 50,000 for BPSC main exam candidates
• 1 lakh for UPSC interview candidates

Political Reactions: Praise and Criticism

The decision to limit the women’s quota to Bihar residents has sparked varied political responses.

Anupriya Patel, spokesperson for Janata Dal (United), called it a “revolutionary step” for women’s empowerment.

“It reflects CM Nitish Kumar’s commitment to development with justice and will empower Bihar’s daughters,” she said.