In a significant development, the Bihar Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, approved 43 important proposals in a meeting held on Tuesday. Among these decisions, two major steps were taken to empower women and youth in the state. The formation of the Bihar Youth Commission and the approval of 35% reservation for women in government jobs are key highlights of this cabinet meeting.

35% Reservation for Women in Government Jobs

The decision to provide 35% reservation for women in government jobs in Bihar has been met with widespread approval. As per the new policy, only women candidates who are native to Bihar will be eligible to benefit from this reservation. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chowdhury confirmed that the decision had been approved, ensuring that women in Bihar will now have better opportunities in government employment across all departments.

This 35% reservation is a horizontal quota, which is separate from the reservation for SC/ST, OBC, and general categories. The initiative aims to give equal opportunities to women in various government sectors and provide them with a fair chance to participate in the state’s development.

How the Reservation System Works

For example, if a government department has 100 vacancies, 50% of these positions will be allocated for the general category, while 35% will be specifically reserved for women. This means that from the 50 general category seats, 17.5 seats (rounding off to 18) will be reserved for women. Similarly, the reservation system will apply proportionately to SC/ST and OBC categories, ensuring that women from these sections also benefit from this quota.

Bihar Youth Commission Formation

Along with the 35% reservation for women, the formation of the Bihar Youth Commission was also approved. This initiative aims to address the issues and concerns of the youth, create opportunities for their development, and ensure their active participation in the state’s socio-economic growth. The formation of the Bihar Youth Commission is expected to empower the younger generation by providing them with avenues for skill development, career guidance, and representation in decision-making processes.

Additional Decisions by the Bihar Cabinet

The Bihar Cabinet also approved several other proposals, including important decisions related to irrigation grants for crops, Bihar Urban Gas Distribution Policy, and the Bihar Food Security Service Rules. These decisions are part of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance food security, and support agricultural development.

Impact of These Decisions

The 35% reservation for women in government jobs is expected to be a game-changer for women in Bihar, providing them with more opportunities in a variety of sectors. It will not only help increase women’s participation in the workforce but also promote gender equality in government services. Similarly, the formation of the Youth Commission will provide the younger population with a platform to voice their concerns and play a significant role in the development of the state.

These reforms highlight the Nitish Kumar-led government’s focus on social justice, empowering marginalized sections of society, and promoting inclusive development. The Bihar government is paving the way for more progressive policies, ensuring that both women and youth have the necessary support and resources to thrive.

The approval of these crucial proposals by the Bihar Cabinet reflects the government’s commitment to empowering women and youth in the state. The 35% reservation for women in government jobs and the establishment of the Bihar Youth Commission are significant steps toward achieving gender equality and ensuring that the younger generation is actively involved in the state’s growth. These decisions also align with Bihar’s long-term vision of inclusive development, where everyone has access to equal opportunities and can contribute to the state’s prosperity.