Atipichhda Nyay Sankalp: Why Opposition's EBC resolution in Bihar matters, Pg14.

Key Highlights:

• Mahagathbandhan announced a 10-point 'Atipichhda Nyay Sankalp' (Extremely Backward Classes Justice Resolution) ahead of Bihar Assembly polls.
• EBCs constitute 36.01% of Bihar's population, making them a crucial voter base.
• In June 2024, Patna High Court struck down the state's increased reservation quotas, exceeding the 50% limit.
• The resolution includes promises like an EBC Atrocities Prevention Act and increased reservation in panchayats.

Detailed Insights:

• EBCs are a sub-category of OBCs in Bihar, comprising socially and educationally disadvantaged castes.
• The Mungeri Lal Commission in 1978 recommended reservations for backward classes, leading to the initial quota system in Bihar.
• Karpoori Thakur's policies in 1978 influenced the Mandal Commission, which recommended a 27% OBC quota nationally.
• The resolution aims to address issues like occupational extinction among EBC communities due to mechanization.
• 'Not Found Suitable' (NFS) practices, which disproportionately affect reserved-category candidates, are targeted for elimination.
• The promise of land distribution to landless EBC families faces challenges due to the large number of families awaiting allotment.
• Bypassing the 50% reservation cap via the Ninth Schedule may face legal challenges based on the Constitution's basic structure.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs): A sub-category of OBCs in Bihar, comprising the most socially and educationally disadvantaged castes.
• Mandal Commission: Established in 1979, it recommended 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and education.
• Ninth Schedule: A schedule to the Constitution containing laws that are immune from judicial review.