In a major pre-election move, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has rolled out a groundbreaking policy aimed at uplifting women in Bihar. His government has approved 35% reservation exclusively for native women in all state government jobs. The decision, passed unanimously in Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, marks a significant stride toward gender equity and regional prioritization.
Details of the Policy
Under the new policy framework, only women who are permanent residents of Bihar will be eligible for the 35% quota in all categories and levels of state government recruitment. Women from outside the state will not be considered for this reservation and must apply under the general category.
Speaking on the policy, Nitish Kumar emphasized its importance in promoting women’s economic independence and increasing their presence in public sector roles. “This move is designed to empower the women of Bihar by enhancing employment avenues and boosting their financial stability,” he stated.
Experts suggest this reservation policy will improve the socio-economic standing of women across Bihar by giving them a stronger foothold in the job market. The timing of the announcement has fueled discussions around its political impact, with analysts calling it a strategic move to consolidate female voter support ahead of the upcoming elections. Women have long formed a key part of Nitish Kumar’s support base, and this policy is expected to deepen that connection.
The cabinet also greenlit the formation of a Bihar Youth Commission, a new body aimed at expanding employment and skill-building opportunities for young people across the state.
Outpacing the Opposition
The ruling government has also taken a dig at the opposition, particularly Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD, who had earlier floated a domicile-based policy proposal. The current administration underscored that this initiative is rooted in Bihar’s welfare and reflects a commitment to prioritizing local talent—especially women. While the move has been celebrated as a win for native women, it may pose challenges for female candidates from other states. Officials clarified that only women with valid domicile certificates from Bihar will qualify under the reservation clause, reinforcing the state-first nature of the initiative.
