View source for 2022 Bihar Caste-Based Survey-262070

{{Short description|2023 Survey in Bihar, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox census
| name              = 2022 Bihar Caste-Based Survey
| logo              = Seal of Bihar.svg
| logo_size         = 110
| logo_caption      = [[Emblem of Bihar|Seal of Bihar]]
| image             = Nitish Kumar inaugurating caste based census in 2023 part 2.jpg
| image_caption     = Chief Minister [[Nitish Kumar]] inaugurating caste based census in 2023
| region           = [[Bihar]]
| date              = January 2023 - August 2023
| population        = 130,725,310<ref name="Survey data out">{{Cite news|title=Bihar caste survey data out: What it says|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/bihar-caste-census-data-8965210/|website=The Indian Express|language=en|date=2 October 2023}}</ref>
| percent_change    = 
| region_type       = District
| most_populous     = 
| least_populous    = 
| additional_label1 = [[Religion in India|Religion]]
| additional_data1  = {{ubl|81.99% [[Hinduism]]|17.70% [[Islam]]|0.08% [[Buddhism]]|0.06% [[Christianity]]|0.01% [[Jainism]]|0.01% [[Sikhism]]|0.13% Others}}
| additional_label2 = [[Forward caste|General Communities]]
| additional_data2  = 20,291,679 (15.52%)<ref name=CensusFig/>
| additional_label3 = [[Other Backward Class]]es
| additional_data3  = 82,544,450 (63.14%)<ref name=CensusFig/>
| additional_label4 = [[Scheduled Castes]]
| additional_data4  = 25,689,820 (19.65%)<ref name=CensusFig/>
| additional_label5 = [[Scheduled Tribes]]
| additional_data5  = 2,199,361 (1.68%)<ref name=CensusFig>{{cite news | title=Bihar government releases caste survey data; OBCs, EBCs account for 63 pc of population | website=ANI News | date=October 2, 2023 | url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/bihar-government-releases-caste-survey-data-obcs-ebcs-account-for-63-pc-of-population20231002142813/ | access-date=November 11, 2023}}</ref>
| previous_census   = 
| previous_year     = 
| next_census       = 
| next_year         = 
| authority         = [[Government of Bihar]]
| website           = 
}}
The '''2022 Bihar Caste-Based Survey''' was notified by the [[Government of Bihar]] on 6 June 2022 by gazette notification after a Supreme Court ruling.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Tewary|first=Amarnath|date=2023-01-20|title=Bihar caste survey : Nitish Kumar welcomes Supreme Court decision|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nitish-kumar-welcomes-scs-dismissal-of-pleas-against-bihar-caste-survey/article66413552.ece|access-date=2023-02-14|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=2023-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214160633/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nitish-kumar-welcomes-scs-dismissal-of-pleas-against-bihar-caste-survey/article66413552.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/t10-january-21-2023/6-let-the-caste-count-begin/articleshow/97181146.cms|title=Let the caste count begin|newspaper=The Times of India|date=20 January 2023|access-date=14 February 2023|archive-date= 20 March 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230320103836/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/t10-january-21-2023/6-let-the-caste-count-begin/articleshow/97181146.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The survey was conducted in two phases, house listing and caste and economic enumeration. The data collection for the survey began on 7 January 2023 and the data was released on 2 October 2023.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2023-01-06|title=Bihar caste census to begin from January 7|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-caste-census-survey-to-begin-from-january-7/article66346339.ece|access-date=2023-02-14|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=2023-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214160627/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-caste-census-survey-to-begin-from-january-7/article66346339.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Survey data out"/> The responsibility to conduct the survey was given to the General Administration Department (GAD) of the [[Government of Bihar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/second-phase-of-caste-census-starts-in-bihar-101681601188589.html|title=Second phase of caste census starts in Bihar|date=16 April 2023|access-date=13 August 2023|archive-date=14 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614203118/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/second-phase-of-caste-census-starts-in-bihar-101681601188589.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The government planned to collect the data digitally by mobile application named Bijaga- ''Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/patna/bihar-caste-survey-officials-directed-to-complete-data-entry-by-today-evening-8890630/|title=Bihar caste survey: Officials directed to complete data entry by today evening, says Patna DM|date=13 August 2023 }}</ref> BELTRON ([[Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd.]]), a [[Government of Bihar]] agency provided IT support,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pending-in-sc-questions-survey-census-privacy-issues-8965681/|title=Pending in SC: Questions on if it is survey or census, privacy issues|date=2 October 2023 }}</ref> hiring the services of Maharashtra-based private firm Trigyn Technologies to develop the mobile app.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/ground-reports/no-caste-without-code-bihar-census-is-counting-writing-new-identity-politics/1530962/|title=No caste without code—Bihar is counting and writing a new identity politics|date=21 April 2023|access-date=13 August 2023|archive-date=2 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502073621/https://theprint.in/ground-reports/no-caste-without-code-bihar-census-is-counting-writing-new-identity-politics/1530962/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Bihar government spent nearly ₹5 billion rupees in this work from its contingency fund (Bihar Aakasmikta Nidhi).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/bihar-caste-based-census-to-be-finished-by-february-2023-cabinet-101654177609459.html|title=Bihar caste-based census gets cabinet nod, to be completed by February 2023|date=2 June 2022|access-date=15 February 2023|archive-date=15 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215061136/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/bihar-caste-based-census-to-be-finished-by-february-2023-cabinet-101654177609459.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Apart from government employees, [[Anganwadi]] workers and Jeevika Didi also worked to complete the survey till given target of May 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Caste-based survey to begin in Bihar from Jan 7 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/caste-based-survey-to-begin-in-bihar-from-jan-seven-2317937-2023-01-05|access-date=2023-02-14|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=2023-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214162250/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/caste-based-survey-to-begin-in-bihar-from-jan-seven-2317937-2023-01-05|url-status=live}}</ref> A portal was prepared for caste-based enumeration in Bihar. The digital work for caste-based enumeration in Bihar was entrusted to a Delhi-based company Trigyn Technologies.<ref name="leftout">{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/bihar-government-considers-mop-up-round-for-caste-based-survey-after-complaints-of-exclusion-by-enumerators-101691857091553.html|title=Bihar caste survey: Govt mulls mop-up round for those left out|date=12 August 2023 }}</ref> The survey counted the 214 castes on Bihar government list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/expectations-high-among-villagers-tepid-response-among-urbanites-to-bihar-s-caste-based-survey-101673803008840.html|title=Expectations high among villagers, tepid response among urbanites to Bihar's caste-based survey|date=15 January 2023|access-date=14 February 2023|archive-date=14 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214173740/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/expectations-high-among-villagers-tepid-response-among-urbanites-to-bihar-s-caste-based-survey-101673803008840.html|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the list, 22 were counted in [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes]], 32 in [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Tribes]], 30 in [[Other Backward Class|Backward Classes]], 113 in Extremely Backward Classes and 7 in Upper Castes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/bihar/patna-city-caste-suvey-in-bihar-patna-had-the-highest-population-of-ahirs-kurmis-and-babhans-100-years-ago-23026260.html|title=पटना में 100 साल पहले सबसे अधिक अहीर, कुर्मी और बाभन की थी आबादी; इस बार होगी इन 204 जातियों की गणना|access-date=2023-02-14|archive-date=2023-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214174332/https://www.jagran.com/bihar/patna-city-caste-suvey-in-bihar-patna-had-the-highest-population-of-ahirs-kurmis-and-babhans-100-years-ago-23026260.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/bihar-caste-census-survey-112-ebc-castes-under-reserved-category-see-full-list-101696243258377.html|title=Bihar caste census survey: 112 EBC castes under reserved category. See full list}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/bihar-caste-survey-the-importance-of-being-ebc-in-state-8965283/|title=Bihar caste survey: The importance of being EBC in state}}</ref>

==First phase==
[[File:Nitish Kumar inaugurating caste based census in 2023 in his ancestral village of Bakhtiarpur with his family members part3.jpg|thumb|Nitish Kumar in conversation with the officials conducting the caste based survey, in his ancestral village of Bakhtiarpur on 15 April 2023]]
The first phase of the caste-based survey started in Bihar from January 7, 2023, and ended on January 21.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/caste-survey-2-60-crore-families-identified-in-bihar-till-january-20/articleshow/97216990.cms|title=Caste survey: 2.60 crore families identified in Bihar till January 20|newspaper=The Times of India|date=22 January 2023|access-date=14 February 2023|archive-date=14 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214181744/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/caste-survey-2-60-crore-families-identified-in-bihar-till-january-20/articleshow/97216990.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The number of all households in the State were counted and recorded in the first phase.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-caste-survey-phase-1-done-form-for-next-phase-still-being-finalised/article66435951.ece |title=Phase 1 completed, form for next stage still being finalised |newspaper=The Hindu |date=26 January 2023 |last1=Lakshman |first1=Abhinay |access-date=14 February 2023 |archive-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214162456/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-caste-survey-phase-1-done-form-for-next-phase-still-being-finalised/article66435951.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> The second phase will be calculated on the basis of the data of the first phase. All the data collected in the first phase is uploaded on this portal and these data will be available to the enumerators and supervisors at the time of second enumeration on the mobile app. In the first phase of caste census, census workers reached about 25,890,497 families across Bihar in 38 districts, which have 534 blocks and 261 urban local bodies and numbered the houses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/caste-based-census-first-phase-begins-in-bihar-over-2-58-cr-families-across-38-districts-to-be-counted/videoshow/96816215.cms|title=Caste-based Census: First phase begins in Bihar; over 2.58 cr families across 38 districts to be counted|date=7 January 2023|access-date=15 February 2023|archive-date=15 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215080950/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/caste-based-census-first-phase-begins-in-bihar-over-2-58-cr-families-across-38-districts-to-be-counted/videoshow/96816215.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first phase, the name of the head of the family and the number of members living there were recorded.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/nitish-kumar-launches-caste-based-survey-says-people-will-be-hugely-benefitted-after-recognition-of-their-economic-status/articleshow/96820227.cms|title=Nitish Kumar launches caste-based survey, says people will be hugely benefitted after recognition of their economic status|newspaper=The Times of India|date=7 January 2023|access-date=14 February 2023|archive-date=14 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214181556/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/nitish-kumar-launches-caste-based-survey-says-people-will-be-hugely-benefitted-after-recognition-of-their-economic-status/articleshow/96820227.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> More than 518,000 personnel were engaged in the caste census of the first phase which began on January 7. A survey of 1.435 million families was done in the district of Patna, left out families can give information to District Caste Enumeration Cell.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/bihar-caste-survey-people-staying-in-joint-families-want-them-listed-as-separate-family-units-for-govt-doles-101674666757116.html|title=Bihar caste survey: People staying in joint families want them listed as separate family units for govt doles|date=25 January 2023|access-date=14 February 2023|archive-date=14 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214172022/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/bihar-caste-survey-people-staying-in-joint-families-want-them-listed-as-separate-family-units-for-govt-doles-101674666757116.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Second phase==
[[File:Nitish Kumar inaugurating caste based census in 2023 part 1.jpg|thumb|Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar inaugurating the second phase of the caste based survey on 15 April 2023, from his ancestral village, Bakhtiarpur]]

In second phase of the survey, which started on April 15, 2023, and ended on May 15, 2023, people living in the households, their castes, sub-castes, and socio-economic conditions etc., were collected. The survey ended on May 31, 2023. In this phase, over 304,000 enumerators asked respondents 17 questions, including caste.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/203-castes-in-bihar-to-choose-from-as-2nd-leg-of-survey-begins-april-15-101679588703223.html|title=203 castes in Bihar to choose from as 2nd leg of survey begins April 15|date=23 March 2023|access-date=25 March 2023|archive-date=25 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325143629/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/203-castes-in-bihar-to-choose-from-as-2nd-leg-of-survey-begins-april-15-101679588703223.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Every enumerator has been given a target to reach out to 150 households. While all 17 questions are mandatory, filling Aadhaar number, caste certificate number and ration card number of the head of the family, are optional.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-caste-based-survey-2nd-phase-form-ready-enumerators-being-trained-statisticians-worry-about-data-integrity/article66668067.ece|title=As Bihar readies for caste survey, statisticians worry about data|newspaper=The Hindu|date=27 March 2023|access-date=30 March 2023|archive-date=30 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330011603/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-caste-based-survey-2nd-phase-form-ready-enumerators-being-trained-statisticians-worry-about-data-integrity/article66668067.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Bihar government has set different codes for 215 different castes of the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/bihar/caste-code-in-bihar-jatigat-janganana-know-about-jati-code-list-of-bihar-caste-census-second-phase-skt|title=बिहार में 215 जातियों का कोड जारी, जातीय जनगणना के लिए अपनी जाति का कोड जानिए|date=5 April 2023|access-date=5 April 2023|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405170838/https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/bihar/caste-code-in-bihar-jatigat-janganana-know-about-jati-code-list-of-bihar-caste-census-second-phase-skt|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amarujala.com/bihar/bihar-caste-census-starting-counting-people-with-cast-census-or-jati-janganna-with-caste-religion-code-coding-2023-04-05|title=Bihar Caste Census : जातिगत गणना में 'अ'धर्म का भी कोड, 214 जातियां हैं...कोड-1 की जाति का नाम जानते हैं?|access-date=2023-04-05|archive-date=2023-04-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405170837/https://www.amarujala.com/bihar/bihar-caste-census-starting-counting-people-with-cast-census-or-jati-janganna-with-caste-religion-code-coding-2023-04-05|url-status=live}}</ref> The sub-categories of a particular caste concerned have been merged into one single social entity,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amarujala.com/bihar/bhumihar-or-bhumihar-brahmin-in-bihar-caste-census-from-today-caste-code-in-caste-census-of-bihar-for-bhumihar-2023-04-15|title=Bihar Caste Census 11 : इस श्रेणी के ब्राह्मण कह रहे भूमिहार कोई जाति नहीं, आज से हो रही जातीय जन-गणना|access-date=2023-08-13|archive-date=2023-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516113138/https://www.amarujala.com/bihar/bhumihar-or-bhumihar-brahmin-in-bihar-caste-census-from-today-caste-code-in-caste-census-of-bihar-for-bhumihar-2023-04-15|url-status=live}}</ref> and they have one numerical caste code for use during the month-long second phase of caste-based headcount.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/sub-categories-of-castes-merged-given-code-for-caste-based-survey/articleshow/99281038.cms|title=Bihar: Sub-categories of castes merged, given code for caste-based survey|newspaper=The Times of India|date=6 April 2023|access-date=13 August 2023|archive-date=13 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713043046/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/sub-categories-of-castes-merged-given-code-for-caste-based-survey/articleshow/99281038.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> At the same time, there will be special strictness regarding the registration of names in this phase. If someone tries to write the name twice, now the app will mark such people. The names of people living outside the state will also be registered.

On 15 April 2023, [[Nitish Kumar]] launched 2nd phase of caste-based survey from his ancestral home at [[Bakhtiarpur|Bakhtiyarpur]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/nitish-kumar-launches-2nd-phase-of-caste-based-survey-from-his-ancestral-home-at-bakhtiyarpur/articleshow/99522418.cms|title=Nitish Kumar launches 2nd phase of caste-based survey from his ancestral home at Bakhtiyarpur|newspaper=The Times of India|date=15 April 2023|access-date=16 April 2023|archive-date=16 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416071711/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/nitish-kumar-launches-2nd-phase-of-caste-based-survey-from-his-ancestral-home-at-bakhtiyarpur/articleshow/99522418.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bihar-chief-minister-nitish-kumar-launches-2nd-phase-of-caste-based-survey-from-his-hometown-bakhtiyarpur-3951233|title=Nitish Kumar Launches 2nd Phase Of Caste-Based Survey From His Hometown|access-date=2023-04-16|archive-date=2023-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416054621/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bihar-chief-minister-nitish-kumar-launches-2nd-phase-of-caste-based-survey-from-his-hometown-bakhtiyarpur-3951233|url-status=live}}</ref> Newborns born from January 22, 2023, till the end of the second phase are not counted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/bihar/begusarai-caste-census-in-bihar-children-of-this-age-are-not-being-included-caste-based-census-5946917.html|title=Caste Census In Bihar: जाति आधारित गणना में इस उम्र के बच्चों को नहीं किया जा रहा शामिल, जानिए वजह|date=21 April 2023|access-date=13 August 2023|archive-date=28 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428100428/https://hindi.news18.com/news/bihar/begusarai-caste-census-in-bihar-children-of-this-age-are-not-being-included-caste-based-census-5946917.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Nitish Kumar informed that once the data work is completed, the report of the caste-based survey would be tabled in the [[Bihar Legislative Assembly|Bihar Vidhan Sabha]] and the [[Bihar Legislative Council|Bihar Vidhan Parishad]]. After that the report would be made public. The work of the second phase of counting will be done from April 15 to May 15, 2023, in all 261 urban local bodies and 534 blocks.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/in-bihar-census-caste-code-for-third-gender-community-triggers-row/article66710725.ece|title=In Bihar census, caste code for 'third gender' community triggers row|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 April 2023|access-date=13 August 2023|archive-date=3 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603043308/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/in-bihar-census-caste-code-for-third-gender-community-triggers-row/article66710725.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 16, 2023, the data entry work of the caste-based census was completed.

{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" 
|+ class="nowrap" | List of 17 questions in second phase
! S.no !! Question
|-
| 1 || Full name of family member
|-
| 2 || Father's / husband's name
|-
| 3 || Relation to the head of the family
|-
| 4 || Age (in years)
|-
| 5 || Gender
|-
| 6 || Marital status
|-
| 7 || Religion
|-
| 8 || Caste
|-
| 9 ||  Temporary migration status (place of work or study, whether within or outside state, country or abroad)
|-
| 10 || Educational qualifications (pre-primary to post master's degree)
|-
| 11 || Profession (ranges from government to private job in organised or unorganised sector, self-employed, farmer [owner of farm land], agricultural labourer, construction labourer, other labourer, skilled labourer, beggar, rag-picker, student, housewife to those having no work)
|-
| 12 || Ownership of computer/laptop (with or without internet connectivity)
|-
| 13 || Motor vehicle (two-wheeler, three-wheeler, four-wheeler, six-wheeler or more, tractor)
|-
| 14 || Agricultural land (area from 0-50 decimals to 5 acres and above)
|-
| 15 || Residential land (area from 5 decimals land to 20 decimals and above;  flat owner in a multi-storied apartment)
|-
| 16 || Monthly income from all sources(ranging from a minimum 0- {{INR}} 6,000 to a maximum {{INR}} 50,000 and above)
|-
| 17 || Residential condition (pucca/thatched house, hutment or homeless)
|}

==Anecdote and protests==
In April 2023, there was an incident during the caste census; around 40 women in a red-light area of Ward No. 7 in Bihar's [[Arwal district]] declared a man named Roopchand as their husband. Some of them even mentioned name Roopchand as their father's name and children's name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/40-women-one-husband-bihar-caste-census-rupchand-2364873-2023-04-26|title=40 women, one husband: Bihar caste census stumbles upon Roopchand|access-date=2023-08-13|archive-date=2023-05-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503062205/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/40-women-one-husband-bihar-caste-census-rupchand-2364873-2023-04-26|url-status=live}}</ref> When questioned, it was found that Roopchand is not a man. The people of this area call money as Roopchand.

In some places such as [[Masaurhi]] and Dhanarua in Patna district, members of Lohar (blacksmith) community boycotted the caste survey saying that [[Bihar Government]] wants to categorise it under either Lohra/Lohara or [[Kamar (caste)|Kamar]] (carpenter) caste.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/patna/caught-between-loharas-kamars-bihars-lohars-shun-caste-survey-8588309/|title=Caught between Loharas & Kamars, Bihar's Lohars shun caste survey|website=Indian express|date=3 May 2023 |access-date=17 July 2023|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719122856/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/patna/caught-between-loharas-kamars-bihars-lohars-shun-caste-survey-8588309/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Legal battle==
On 20 January 2023, the [[Supreme Court of India]] refused to entertain various pleas challenging Bihar Government's notification to conduct caste-based census in Bihar.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tewary |first=Amarnath |date=2023-01-20 |title=Bihar caste survey {{!}} Nitish Kumar welcomes Supreme Court decision |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nitish-kumar-welcomes-scs-dismissal-of-pleas-against-bihar-caste-survey/article66413552.ece |access-date=2023-02-14 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=2023-02-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214160633/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nitish-kumar-welcomes-scs-dismissal-of-pleas-against-bihar-caste-survey/article66413552.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/patna/sc-pleas-bihar-governments-caste-survey-8393622/|title=SC allows caste census, says how else will Bihar fix quota|date=20 January 2023|access-date=14 February 2023|archive-date=14 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214162802/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/patna/sc-pleas-bihar-governments-caste-survey-8393622/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-rejects-pleas-against-bihar-caste-census-calls-them-publicity-litigation-101674213641883.html|title=Pleas against caste census in Bihar merely for publicity: Supreme Court|date=20 January 2023|access-date=14 February 2023|archive-date=14 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214164343/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-rejects-pleas-against-bihar-caste-census-calls-them-publicity-litigation-101674213641883.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The pleas against caste-based survey were filed by many petitioners, including [[Youth For Equality]] group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-we-need-the-bihar-caste-census-8699418/|title=Why we need the Bihar caste census|date=4 July 2023 |access-date=2023-08-13|archive-date=2023-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802202526/https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-we-need-the-bihar-caste-census-8699418/|url-status=live}}</ref> Chief Minister of Bihar [[Nitish Kumar]] said that the exercise is not caste census, instead its a caste survey.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/its-caste-survey-not-census-bihar-cm-nitish-kumar-on-plea-in-top-court/articleshow/96925356.cms|title=It's caste survey, not census: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on plea in top court|newspaper=The Times of India|date=12 January 2023|access-date=14 February 2023|archive-date=14 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214164347/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/its-caste-survey-not-census-bihar-cm-nitish-kumar-on-plea-in-top-court/articleshow/96925356.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/sc-plea-has-no-meaning-ours-is-caste-survey-not-census-nitish/articleshow/96926795.cms|title=SC plea has no meaning, ours is caste survey not census: Nitish|newspaper=The Times of India|date=12 January 2023|access-date=14 February 2023|archive-date=14 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214164348/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/sc-plea-has-no-meaning-ours-is-caste-survey-not-census-nitish/articleshow/96926795.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thewire.in/government/caste-count-not-census-in-bihar-to-avoid-legal-complications-nitish-kumar|title=Caste 'Count', Not 'Census', in Bihar to Avoid Legal Complications: Nitish Kumar|access-date=2023-02-14|archive-date=2023-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214172237/https://thewire.in/government/caste-count-not-census-in-bihar-to-avoid-legal-complications-nitish-kumar|url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 May 2023, [[Patna High Court]] stayed the caste-based survey in its interim order, and directed the state government to keep the survey data, collected so far preserved till the next date of hearing (July 3, 2023).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/setback-for-nitish-kumar-patna-hc-stays-caste-based-survey-in-bihar/articleshow/99984926.cms|title=Setback for Nitish Kumar-led Mahagathbandhan govt, Patna HC stays caste-based survey in Bihar|newspaper=The Times of India|date=4 May 2023|access-date=13 August 2023|archive-date=6 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606075507/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/setback-for-nitish-kumar-patna-hc-stays-caste-based-survey-in-bihar/articleshow/99984926.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/patna-high-court-puts-a-stay-on-bihar-caste-based-census/article66811531.ece|title=Patna High Court stays Bihar's caste-based census|newspaper=The Hindu|date=4 May 2023|access-date=13 August 2023|archive-date=4 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504103534/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/patna-high-court-puts-a-stay-on-bihar-caste-based-census/article66811531.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Government of Bihar]] informed [[Patna High Court]] that 80% of the "survey" was completed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/hc-puts-interim-stay-on-bihar-caste-survey-dubs-it-illegal-census/articleshow/99996915.cms|title=HC puts interim stay on Bihar caste survey, dubs it illegal census|newspaper=The Times of India|date=5 May 2023|access-date=13 August 2023|archive-date=25 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525223925/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/hc-puts-interim-stay-on-bihar-caste-survey-dubs-it-illegal-census/articleshow/99996915.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Patna High court asked questions on 11 points from Bihar government in its interim order. [[Government of Bihar]] countered that a central law, Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 empowers state government to carry out all kinds of censuses and surveys, including for caste.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/theprint-essential/to-back-caste-survey-bihar-govt-cited-collection-of-statistics-act-what-it-says-why-hc-agreed/1738572/|title=To back caste survey, Bihar govt cited Collection of Statistics Act. What it says & why HC agreed|date=31 August 2023 }}</ref> On 7 July 2023, Patna High court reserved its verdict after hearing a total of 8 PIL pleas challenging various aspects of the survey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/patna-high-court/patna-high-court-reserves-verdict-pleas-challenging-bihar-government-decision-conduct-caste-based-survey-232205|title=Patna High Court Reserves Verdict In Pleas Challenging Bihar Govt's Decision To Conduct Caste-Based Survey In State|date=7 July 2023 |access-date=2023-08-13|archive-date=2023-08-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801102207/https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/patna-high-court/patna-high-court-reserves-verdict-pleas-challenging-bihar-government-decision-conduct-caste-based-survey-232205|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 August 2023, [[Patna High Court]] gave judgement that holding caste survey in Bihar is valid and legal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/patna-high-court-holds-caste-survey-in-bihar-as-valid-and-legal-dismisses-all-petitions-challenging-survey/articleshow/102305338.cms|title=Patna high court holds caste survey in Bihar as valid and legal, dismisses all petitions challenging survey|website=[[The Times of India]] |date=August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-13|archive-date=2023-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810153007/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/patna-high-court-holds-caste-survey-in-bihar-as-valid-and-legal-dismisses-all-petitions-challenging-survey/articleshow/102305338.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> A division bench comprising Chief Justice [[K. Vinod Chandran]] and Justice Partha Sarathy passed the order in its 101-page verdict,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/1053861/why-the-patna-high-court-upheld-bihars-caste-survey|title=Why the Patna High Court upheld Bihar's caste survey|date=10 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-13|archive-date=2023-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811031443/https://scroll.in/article/1053861/why-the-patna-high-court-upheld-bihars-caste-survey|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/15968650/|title=Ek Soch Ek Prayas vs Union Of India on 1 August, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://images.assettype.com/barandbench/2023-08/15ace660-13fc-46e6-b819-4b5cb2e085c2/Youth_for_Equality___Ors_v_State_of_Bihar___Ors.pdf|title=IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA|access-date=2023-08-13|archive-date=2023-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810231806/https://images.assettype.com/barandbench/2023-08/15ace660-13fc-46e6-b819-4b5cb2e085c2/Youth_for_Equality___Ors_v_State_of_Bihar___Ors.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/high-courts-green-signal-to-bihar-caste-survey-challenged-in-supreme-court-4265860|title=High Court's Green Signal To Bihar Caste Survey Challenged In Supreme Court|access-date=2023-08-13|archive-date=2023-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805085129/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/high-courts-green-signal-to-bihar-caste-survey-challenged-in-supreme-court-4265860|url-status=live}}</ref> while dismissing all petitions challenging survey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/hc-upholds-bihar-caste-survey-101690904344728.html|title=HC upholds Bihar caste survey|date=August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-13|archive-date=2023-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812031128/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/hc-upholds-bihar-caste-survey-101690904344728.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/patna-hc-upholds-bihar-caste-based-survey-8873561/|title=Patna HC upholds Bihar caste-based survey: Why it was challenged, what the court said|date=2 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-13|archive-date=2023-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807123729/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/patna-hc-upholds-bihar-caste-based-survey-8873561/|url-status=live}}</ref> The second phase of Bihar's caste-based survey resumed on 2 August 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/second-phase-of-caste-based-survey-resumes-in-bihar/article67150230.ece|title=Second phase of caste-based survey resumes in Bihar|website=[[The Hindu]] |date=2 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-13|archive-date=2023-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803140702/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/second-phase-of-caste-based-survey-resumes-in-bihar/article67150230.ece|url-status=live |last1=Bhelari |first1=Amit }}</ref> On 21 August 2023, [[Patna High Court]] disposed of a writ petition seeking deletion of transgenders from caste list, and stated that transgender individuals can make representations to [[Government of Bihar]] to not be considered as a caste.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/patna-high-court-transgender-community-entitled-to-make-representation-seeking-not-to-be-considered-a-caste-101692633979571.html|title=Transgenders can ask govt not to reckon them as a caste: HC|date=21 August 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/transgenders-not-a-caste-but-a-separate-group-patna-hc/articleshow/102924574.cms|title=Transgenders not a caste, but a separate group: Patna HC|website=[[The Times of India]] |date=22 August 2023 }}</ref> Government of Bihar had filed a counter affidavit to this plea, informing the court that this anomaly was rectified on 25 April 2023 by instructing the enumerators to have three options for gender.

On 21 August 2023, [[Supreme Court of India]] bench comprising Justices [[Sanjiv Khanna]] and [[Sarasa Venkatanarayana Bhatti|SVN Bhatti]] asked Central Government to provide a response within seven days regarding the survey's potential consequences<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/centre-seeks-to-intervene-in-sc-case-on-bihar-caste-survey/articleshow/102918571.cms|title=Centre seeks to intervene in SC case on Bihar caste survey|website=[[The Times of India]] |date=22 August 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/india-needs-caste-census-more-than-chandrayaan-3-sc-verdict-on-bihar-caste-survey-shows-why/1723274/|title=India needs caste census more than Chandrayaan-3. SC verdict on Bihar caste survey shows why|date=21 August 2023 }}</ref> and subsequently scheduled the matter for resumed hearing on 28 August 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/supreme-court-rejects-stay-on-bihar-caste-survey-without-prima-facie-case-news-312386|title=Supreme Court Rejects Stay On Bihar Caste Survey Without Prima Facie Case}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/will-not-stay-bihar-caste-survey-unless-prima-facie-case-made-out-by-those-opposing-it-sc/article67219252.ece|title=Will not stay Bihar caste survey unless prima facie case made out by those opposing it: SC|website=[[The Hindu]] |date=21 August 2023 }}</ref> [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Union Home Ministry]] filed affidavit in Supreme Court that Census Act allows only Central government to conduct census and actions like a census.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/only-centre-can-conduct-census-or-anything-akin-to-census-union-tells-sc-in-bihar-caste-survey-case/article67245566.ece|title=Only Centre can conduct census, Union tells SC in Bihar caste survey case|website=[[The Hindu]] |date=28 August 2023 |last1=Rajagopal |first1=Krishnadas }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bihar-caste-survey-nitish-kumar-supreme-court-manoj-kumar-jha-bihar-bjp-centres-correction-on-bihar-caste-survey-affidavit-draws-opposition-fire-4338624|title=Bihar Caste Survey: Centre's "Inadvertent Error" Draws A "Volcano" Warning}}</ref> Later in evening, it backtracked from its previous affidavit and filed a fresh affidavit claiming that the paragraph "inadverdently crept in".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/politics/court-nod-for-bihar-caste-survey-a-shot-in-the-arm-for-regional-parties/article67247843.ece|title=Court nod for Bihar caste survey a shot in the arm for regional parties|date=7 September 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/-inadvertent-error-centre-withdraws-affidavit-in-supreme-court-opposing-bihar-caste-census-news-314187|title='Inadvertent Error': Centre Withdraws Affidavit In Supreme Court Opposing Bihar Caste Census}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thewire.in/government/modi-govt-defensive-over-bihar-caste-survey-changes-affidavit-in-supreme-court|title=Modi Govt Defensive Over Bihar Caste Survey, Changes Affidavit in Supreme Court}}</ref> [[Government of Bihar]] reiterated its previously stated position that the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, empowers it to conduct such an enumeration exercise in the interest of social justice.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/centre-asserts-exclusive-authority-to-conduct-census-seeks-intervention-in-bihar-caste-survey-validity-petitions-101693247745327.html|title=Only Centre can carry out census: Govt to Supreme Court|date=29 August 2023 }}</ref> On 6 September 2023, [[Supreme Court of India]] bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti posted the matter to October 3 and clarified that it had not granted any stay on the publication of the survey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-adjourns-hearing-on-bihar-government-s-caste-survey-no-stay-on-publication-centre-s-affidavit-awaited-101694008568111.html|title=Supreme Court adjourns pleas opposing Bihar caste survey, next hearing on Oct 3|date=6 September 2023 }}</ref> On 6 October 2023, [[Supreme Court of India]] refused to issue any interim directive to restrain [[Government of Bihar]] from releasing more caste-census data, and listed the next hearing in the matter in January 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-can-t-stop-bihar-from-releasing-more-caste-data-101696616745579.html|title=Can't stop Bihar from releasing more caste-census data: Supreme Court|date=6 October 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-bihar-government-caste-survey-petitions-8971007/|title=Why did you publish caste survey data, SC asks Bihar govt, refuses to interfere with exercise for now|date=6 October 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/sc-refuses-to-restrain-bihar-government-from-publishing-further-data-from-caste-survey/article67387954.ece|title=SC refuses to order status quo on publication of Bihar caste survey data|website=[[The Hindu]] |date=6 October 2023 |last1=Rajagopal |first1=Krishnadas }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story/bihar-caste-census-supreme-court-notice-to-bihar-government-reply-nitish-kumar-2445391-2023-10-06|title=Supreme Court won't stop Bihar from publishing caste survey data, issues notice}}</ref> On 2 January 2024, [[Supreme Court of India]] asked Bihar government to release the break-up of the caste survey data in the public domain, and listed the next hearing in the matter on 5 February 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/supreme-court-bihar-caste-survey-asks-govt-to-file-report-break-up-of-data-should-be-in-public-domain-11704209648418.html|title=SC asks govt to file report on Bihar caste survey: 'Break-up of data should be in public domain'}}</ref>

The findings of the survey increased the overall reservation to 65%, which was eventually struck down by the Patna High Court on 20 June 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-21 |title=HC strikes down hike in quota by state govt |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/patna-high-court-strikes-down-bihar-governments-65-reservation-in-jobs-and-education/articleshow/111152264.cms |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==Survey report==
{{Static row numbers}}
{| class="wikitable sortable static-row-numbers" style="text-align:center"
|+ Primary Survey Abstract
! rowspan="3" class="unsortable" |Category
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" |Community
! rowspan="3" {{vert header|stp=1|Reservation}}
! rowspan="3" data-sort-type="number" |Total households
! rowspan="3" |Total population
! colspan="6" |Household monthly income
! colspan="16" |Education
! colspan="3" |Employment
|-
! colspan="2" {{vert header|stp=1|less than 6,000}} !!{{vert header|stp=1|6,000 – 10,000}} !!{{vert header|stp=1|10,000 – 20,000}} !!{{vert header|stp=1|20,000 – 50,000}}!! {{vert header|stp=1|above 50,000}}
! colspan="2" {{vert header|stp=1|1 to 5}}
! colspan="2" {{vert header|stp=1|6 to 10}}
! colspan="2" {{vert header|stp=1|11 to 12}}
! colspan="2" {{vert header|stp=1|Diploma}}
! colspan="2" {{vert header|stp=1|Graduate}}
! colspan="2" {{vert header|stp=1|Post Graduate}}
! colspan="2" {{vert header|stp=1|Doctorate/CA}}
! colspan="2" {{vert header|stp=1|Illiterate}}
! colspan="2" {{vert header|stp=1|Govt. job}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|Organised Pvt. job}}
|-
!{{vert header|stp=1|Hindu{{efn|includes Budhhist, Jain, Sikh, Christian and others}}}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|Muslim}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|Actual num.}} !! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}} 
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}} !! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}} 
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|Actual num.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|Actual num.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|Actual num.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|Actual num.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|Actual num.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|Actual num.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|Actual num.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|Actual num.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|Actual num.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}}
! {{vert header|stp=1|pct.}}
|-
| '''General''' || 4 || 3|| 10%{{sup|*}}
||{{number and percent|4328282|27668930|2}}|| {{number and percent|20291679|130725310|2}} ||{{number and percent| 1085913 |4328282|2|disp=table}} 
|| 23.98% ||19.27%|| 16.95%|| 9.86% ||{{number and percent|3509576|20109207|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|6410968|20109207|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|2813515|20109207|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|233297 |20109207|2|disp=table}} ||{{number and percent| 2921947|20109207|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|502704 |20109207|2|disp=table}} ||{{number and percent| 50377 |20109207|2|disp=table}} ||{{number and percent| 3666823 |20109207|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|641281|20291679|2|disp=table}} 
|3.49%
|-
| '''BC''' || 30 || 4|| 12%||{{number and percent|7473529|27668930|2}}|| {{number and percent|35463936|130725310|2}} ||{{number and percent| 2477970 |7473529|2|disp=table}} || 29.35% || 18.42% || 10.67%|| 4.22%||{{number and percent| 7692304|35463936|2|disp=table}} ||{{number and percent| 10760570|35463936|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|3790586|35463936|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|236493 |35463936|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|2533580 |35463936|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|287969 |35463936|2|disp=table}}||{{number and percent| 25284|35463936|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|10137150|35463936|2|disp=table}}|| {{number and percent|621481|35463936|2|disp=table}}
|1.13%
|-
| '''EBC''' || 82 || 31|| 18%||{{number and percent|9884904|27668930|2}}|| {{number and percent|47080514|130725310|2}} ||{{number and percent| 3319509 |9884904|2|disp=table}} || 32.56%|| 18.82% || 8.32% || 2.28% ||{{number and percent|11607532|47080514|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|13743637|47080514|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|3742137|47080514|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|200060|47080514|2|disp=table}}|| {{number and percent|2090749|47080514|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|203328|47080514|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|14143|47080514|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|15478928|47080514|2|disp=table}} || ||0.98%
|0.73%
|-
| '''SC''' || 22 
|{{n/a}} || 16% ||{{number and percent|5472024|27668930|2}}|| {{number and percent|25689820|130725310|2}} ||{{number and percent| 2349111|5472024|2|disp=table}} || 29.44%|| 15.32% ||5.9% || 1.72% || {{number and percent|6246358|25689820|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|6393393|25689820|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|1480345 |25689820|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|72256|25689820|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|805420 |25689820|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|72267 |25689820|2|disp=table}} ||{{number and percent| 4353|25689820|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|10615428 |25689820|2|disp=table}} || || 1.13%
|0.51%
|-
| '''ST''' || colspan="2"|32  ||1% ||{{number and percent|470256|27668930|2}}||{{number and percent|2199361|130725310|2}} || {{number and percent| 200809|470256|2|disp=table}} || 25.8%|| 16.97% || 8%|| 2.53% ||{{number and percent|539222|2199361|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|600825|2199361|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|164555|2199361|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|8636 |2199361|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|77871|2199361|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|5980 |2199361|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|505 |2199361|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|801767 |2199361|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|30164|2199361|2|disp=table}}
||0.68%
|- class="sortbottom"
| '''Unspecified'''  || colspan="2" | 1 || {{n/a}} 
||{{number and percent|39935|27668930|2}}|| ||{{number and percent| 9474 |39935|2|disp=table}} || 22.9%||18.7% || 17.0% || 12.5% || {{number and percent|33431|182472|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|54637 |182472|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|21008 |182472|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|2014 |182472|2|disp=table}} ||{{number and percent| 26500 |182472|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|4452|182472|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|736 |182472|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|39694 |182472|2|disp=table}} || ||
||
|- 
! State || colspan="2" | 215  || 50%{{efn|Bihar has [[Reservation in India|reservations]] of 16% for [[Scheduled Castes]], 1% for [[Scheduled Tribes]], and 30% for [[Other Backward Classes]] (12% for Backward Classes, 18% for Extremely Backward Classes). Women in OBCs have an additional 3% reservation. With the 103rd Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2019, 10% reservation for [[Economically Weaker Section]]s in the Unreserved (General) category was introduced, increasing the total reservation in Bihar from 50% to 60%.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Nitish Kumar Wants Bihar Caste Quotas Raised To 65%, Past Supreme Court Cap |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-proposes-bihar-quota-increase-from-50-to-65-4553895 |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Bihar assembly passes Bill to increase caste quota to 65% |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bill-to-increase-caste-quota-to-65-tabled-in-bihar-assembly-2460874-2023-11-09 |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>}} || 27,668,930|| 130,725,310 ||{{number and percent|9442786|27668930|2|disp=table}} || 29.61%|| 18.06%|| 9.83%|| 3.9% || {{number and percent|29628423|130725310|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|37964030|130725310|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|12012146|130725310|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|752756 |130725310|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|8456067 |130725310|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|1076700|130725310|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|95398 |130725310|2|disp=table}} || {{number and percent|40739790|130725310|2|disp=table}}|| {{number and percent|2049370|130725310|2|disp=table}} ||1.22%
|}

===Caste group wise population===

{{Pie chart
|caption=Category-wise distribution of social groups.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tewary |first=Amarnath |date=2023-10-02 |title=Bihar caste survey {{!}} OBCs, EBCs comprise more than 63% of State's population |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar-caste-survey-obcs-ebcs-comprise-more-than-63-of-population/article67371818.ece |access-date=2023-10-11 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bihar Caste Survey Report: बिहार में 1 प्रतिशत से अधिक आबादी वाली कितनी हैं जातियां? देखें पूरी लिस्ट |url=https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/story-bihar-caste-survey-report-how-many-castes-in-bihar-with-more-than-1-percent-population-see-full-list-8791799.html |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=Hindustan |language=hi}}</ref>
|value1 = 36.02
|label1 = Extremely Backward Classes
|value2 =  27.13
|label2 = Backward Classes
|value3 = 19.65
|label3 = [[Scheduled Castes]]
|value4 = 15.52
|label4 = [[Forward Castes]]
|value5 = 1.68
|label5 = [[Scheduled Tribes]]
}}

The 2022 Bihar caste-based survey report, released on October 2, 2023, reveals a total population of 130,725,310. Among them, 35,463,936 (27.12%) belong to Backward Classes (BCs), 47,080,514 (36.01%) belong to Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), collectively constituting 82,544,450 (63.14%) of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Additionally, 25,689,820 (19.65%) belong to Scheduled Castes (SCs), 2,199,361 (1.68%) belong to Scheduled Tribes (STs), and 20,291,679 (15.52%) belong to the Unreserved (General) communities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bihar-caste-survey-ebc-obc-population-8965116/|title=Bihar caste survey released: EBCs form 36% of population, OBCs at 27.13%|date=2 October 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/with-bihar-caste-survey-how-nitish-kumar-hit-two-targets-in-one-fell-swoop-8965619/|title=With Bihar caste survey, how Nitish Kumar hit two targets in one fell swoop|date=2 October 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bihar-caste-census-27-13backward-class-15-52-general-category/articleshow/104103634.cms|title=Bihar caste survey released: OBCs, EBCs together account for 63% of total population|website=[[The Times of India]] |date=3 October 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bihar-publishes-caste-survey-report-obcs-ebcs-consist-of-63-of-population|title=Bihar publishes caste survey report, OBCs, EBCs constitute 63% of population|date=2 October 2023 }}</ref> Among the 214 (excluding one category, "Others", which enumerates people who do not belong to any of the predefined 214 community list) surveyed communities, around 190 castes have a population of less than one percent.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/caste-survey-population-of-many-castes-in-bihar-not-even-500/articleshow/104139727.cms|title=Caste survey: Population of many castes in Bihar not even 500|website=[[The Times of India]] |date=3 October 2023 }}</ref> The survey also indicates that Hindus make up 81.99%, Islam 17.70%, Buddhism 0.08%, Christianity 0.06%, Jainism 0.01%, Sikhism 0.01%, and 0.13% adhere to other unclassified religious beliefs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/bihar/patna-city-bihar-caste-based-census-report-interesting-facts-which-caste-and-religions-population-more-lalu-yadav-nitish-kumar-bahubali-jati-yadav-muslim-hindu-23545414.html|title=जाति के आधार पर बिहार में कौन 'बाहुबली', कुल 215 जातियां-6 धर्म; 2000 से ज्‍यादा लोग किसी मजहब को नहीं मानते}}</ref>
{{Brick chart
|caption = Population by religion
|value1 = 81.99
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|color1 = #FF671F
|value2 =  17.70
|label2 = [[Islam]]
|value3 = 0.08
|color2= #009000
|label3 = [[Buddhism]]
|value4 = 0.06
|color3 = #EFCA08
|label4 = [[Christianity]]
|color4= #5bcffa 
<!-- insignificant pop.
|value5 = 0.01
|label5 = [[Jainism]]
|value6 = 0.01
|label6 = [[Sikhism]] 
-->
|other = [[Jainism]], [[Sikhism]] and Other religious beliefs
}}

{{Static row numbers}}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed static-row-numbers"
|+ class="nowrap" |Statistical data for the major social groups<ref>{{cite web|url=	https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/story-bihar-caste-survey-counting-census-full-list-population-share-percent-obc-ebc-upper-caste-muslim-hindu-sc-st-8792660.html|title=Full list of caste and their population|website=Livehindustan|access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>
|-
! Caste !! State Category !! Population	 !! Percentage
|-
| [[Yadav]] ([[Ahir]], [[Gowala (caste)|Gowala]], Gora, Ghasi, Mehar and [[Sadgop]]) || BC || {{number and percent|18650119|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Dusadh|Dushadh]] (Dhari, Dharahi) || || {{number and percent|6943000|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Chamar|Ravidas]] (Mochi, Ravidas, Rohidas, Charmkar)|| SC || {{number and percent|6869664|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Kushwaha]] ([[Koeri]]) || ||{{number and percent|5506113|130725310|4|disp=table}} 
|-
| [[Shaikhs in North India|Shaikh (caste)]] ([[Muslim]]) || BC ||{{number and percent|4995897|130725310|4|disp=table}} 
|-
| [[Brahmin]] || Gen. || {{number and percent|4781280|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Julaha|Momin (Muslim)/Julaha/Ansari]] ([[Muslim]])
|| ||{{number and percent|4634245|130725310|4|disp=table}} 
|-
| [[Rajput]] || Gen. || {{number and percent|4510733|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Musahar]] || EBC || {{number and percent|4035787|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Kurmi]]  || || {{number and percent|3762969|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Bhumihar]] || || {{number and percent|3750886|130725310|4|disp=table}} 
|-
| [[Teli]] || || {{number and percent|3677491|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Mallaah|Mallah]] ([[Nishad]]) || || {{number and percent|3410093|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Bania (caste)|Bania]] (Sudhi, Modak/Mamas, Roniyar, Pansari, Modi, Karora, Kesharvani, Thathera, Kalwar (Kalal/Iraqi), (Vigahut Kalwar), Kamlapuri Vaishya, Mahuri Vaishya, Bangi Vaishya (Bangali Baniya), Baranwal Vaishya, Agrahari Vaishya, Vaishya Poddar, Kasaudhan, Gandhbanik, Batham Vaishya, Goldar (East/Wesh Champaran) ||  || {{number and percent|3026912|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Kanu (caste)|Kanu]] || ||{{number and percent|2892761|130725310|4|disp=table}} 
|-
| [[Dhanuk]] || || {{number and percent|2796605|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Nonia]] || || {{number and percent|2498474|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Surjapuri Muslim (except Sheikh, Syed, Mullick, Mughal, Pathan) ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|2446212|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Pan, Sawasi, Panar || || {{number and percent|2228343|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Nai (caste)|Nai]] || || {{number and percent|2082048|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Chandravanshi ([[Kahar]], Kamkar) || || {{number and percent|2055644|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Barhai (carpenter) || || {{number and percent|1895672|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Dhuniya ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|1888192|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Kumhar]] (Prajapati) || || {{number and percent|1834418|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
|Rayeen or [[Kunjra]] ([[Muslim]]) || ||{{number and percent|1828584|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Shershahbadi ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|1302644|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Pasi || || {{number and percent|1288031|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Bind || || {{number and percent|1285358|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Kulhaiya ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|1253781|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Bhuiya  || || {{number and percent|1174460|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
|[[Dhobi]] (Rajak) || || {{number and percent|1096158|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Pathans in India|Pathan]] (Khan) ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|986665|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Sunar|Sonar]]  || || {{number and percent|893276|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Kayastha]] || || {{number and percent|785771|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Sai/[[Faqeer]]/Diwan/Madar ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|663197|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Gangota]] (Gangaputra) || || {{number and percent|648493|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Barai, Tamoli, Chaurasiya || || {{number and percent|616092|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Beldar]] ([[Hindu]]) || || {{number and percent|483554|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Dhobi ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|409796|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Pal (Bhedihar, Gaderi, Gaderiya)  || || {{number and percent|363529|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
|[[Mali caste|Mali]] || ||{{number and percent|349285|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
|[[Dangi people|Dangi]] || ||{{number and percent|336629|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Idrisi (tribe)|Idrisi]] or [[Darzi]] ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|329661|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Sayyid|Syed]] ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|297975|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Dom (caste)|Dom]], Dhangadh, Bansfor, Dharikar, Dharkar, Domra 
| || {{number and percent|263512|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Hari Mehtar, Bhangi  || || {{number and percent|255582|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Rajbhar  || || {{number and percent|224722|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Churihar|Chudihar]] ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|207914|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Thakurai]] ([[Muslim]])|| || {{number and percent|147482|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Qasab (Qasai) ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|133807|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Malik clan (Biha)|Mullick]] ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|111655|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Nat || || {{number and percent|105358|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Bhat ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|89052|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Madariya  (Only for Sanhaul block of Bhagalpur and Dhoriya block of Banka) ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|86658|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Daphali ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|73259|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Mehtar, [[Lal Begi|Lalbegi]], [[Halalkhor]], [[Bhangi]] ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|69914|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Mirshikar|Morshikar]]([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|66607|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Pamaria ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|64890|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Nat ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|61629|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Gaddis|Gaddi]] ([[Muslim]])|| || {{number and percent|57617|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Mukairi ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|56522|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Cheeq ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|50404|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Jats|Jat]] (Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamadhi, Khagaria & Araria) ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|44949|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Rangrez ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|43347|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Bakho ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|36830|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Bhathiyara ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|27263|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Sainthwar]]  || || {{number and percent|20505|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Saikalgarg ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|18936|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Qadar ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|18121|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Miriyasin ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|15415|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Nalband ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|11900|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Christian Convert (EBC) || || {{number and percent|11506|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Madari ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|11620|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Abdal	([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|11433|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Christian Convert (Harijan) || || {{number and percent|9708|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Itfarosh/Itafarosh/Gadheri/Itpaz Ibrahimi ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|9462|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Qalandar (caste)|Qalandar]] ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|7873|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| Qaghzi ([[Muslim]]) || || {{number and percent|2360|130725310|4|disp=table}}
|-
| [[Shekhra]]|| ||  {{number and percent|01904|248948|4|disp=table}}
|}

=== Key findings ===

* 34.13% of the households in the states were identified as poor, earning less than {{INR}} 6,000 per month. Among them, 42.93% were Scheduled Castes, 42.7% were Scheduled Tribes, 33.58% were Extremely Backward Classes, 33.16% were Backward Castes, and 25.09% were from General Categories.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bhelari |first=Amit |date=2023-11-07 |title=Bihar caste-based survey report {{!}} Poverty highest among Scheduled Castes, lowest among Kayasths |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihars-caste-based-survey-report-shows-yadavs-hold-most-govt-jobs-among-obcs/article67509087.ece |access-date=2023-11-11 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bihar-caste-survey-over-42-sc-st-families-poor-says-bihar-caste-survey-4553342|title="34% Earn ₹ 6,000 Or Less": Bihar Survey Reveals Wealth, Education Data}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/opinion/bihar-caste-survey-anaylsing-the-larger-patterns-in-the-released-data#read-more|title=Bihar Caste Survey: Analysing the Larger Patterns in the Released Data|date=17 November 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-releases-fresh-caste-survey-data-says-33-obcs-42-scs-are-poor-101699349607611.html|title=Bihar releases fresh caste survey data, says 33% OBCs, 42% SCs are poor|date=7 November 2023 }}</ref>
* 4% of the households in the states earn more than ₹50,000 per month. This group includes 9.86% of the General Category members, 2.28% of the Extremely Backward Classes members, and 1.72% of the Scheduled Castes members.<ref name="Findings">{{cite news | last1=Roy | first1=Anirban Guha | last2=Pathak | first2=Subhash | title=Decoding findings of Bihar's caste survey report | website=Hindustan Times | date=November 8, 2023 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/decoding-findings-of-bihars-caste-survey-report-101699396896631.html | access-date=November 11, 2023}}</ref>
* 16.73% of the state population work as laborers, 7.70% are engaged in the agricultural sector, and 3.05% are self-employed. Government jobs are held by 1.57%, and 3.36% work in the private sector. Within the private sector, 1.22% are employed in the organized sector, and 2.14% work in the unorganized sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/nitish-kumar-govt-rides-caste-survey-to-hike-quota-numbers-show-flip-side-9026846/|title=Nitish Kumar govt rides caste survey to hike quota, but numbers show flip side: only 1.5% in govt jobs|website=Indian express|date=15 November 2023 |access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref>
* 2,049,000 (i.e., 1.5%) state's population have government employment.<ref name=ienews/> 3.19% of individuals from the General Category, 1.37% from Scheduled Tribes, 1.13% from Scheduled Castes, and 0.98% from Extremely Backward Classes are employed in government employment in their respective categories.
* In the state, 22.67% completed primary education, 14.33% reached secondary level, 14.71% attained high school education, and 6.47% hold graduate degrees. 
*Among the graduates, 14.54% belong to General Categories, 9.14% to backward classes, 4.44% to Extremely Backward Classes, 3.12% to Scheduled Castes, and 3.53% to Scheduled Tribes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/decoding-findings-of-bihars-caste-survey-report-101699396896631.html|title=Decoding findings of Bihar's caste survey report|website=Hindustan Times|date=8 November 2023 |access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref>
* 95.49% of state's population do not possess any vehicles.<ref name=ienews>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/nitish-kumar-govt-rides-caste-survey-to-hike-quota-numbers-show-flip-side-9026846/|title=Nitish Kumar govt rides caste survey to hike quota, but numbers show flip side: only 1.5% in govt jobs|date=15 November 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/bihar-95-49-pc-people-dont-own-any-vehicle-says-caste-survey-report/articleshow/105067570.cms|title=Bihar: 95.49 pc people don't own any vehicle, says caste survey report|newspaper=The Times of India |date=8 November 2023 }}</ref>
* Among the well-off Hindu upper caste, the numerically minuscule Kayasthas is most well-off.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/bihar-caste-survey-reveals-over-one-third-household-earns-less-than-rs-6-000-a-month-11699349648727.html|title=Bihar Caste Survey reveals over one-third household earns less than ₹6,000 a month}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amarujala.com/bihar/bihar-caste-census-4-srivastava-lala-and-lal-remain-kayasthas-bihar-survey-castes-news-in-hindi-2023-04-06|title=Bihar Caste Census 4 : श्रीवास्तव, लाला और लाल रह गए कायस्थ...वरना दर्जी के रूप में दर्ज हो जाते}}</ref>

===Socio-economic status of castes===
The [[Other Backward Class]] category has played pivotal role in politics of Bihar and their socio-economic status changed remarkably after the [[Mandal Commission|Mandal Politics]] of 1990s. This category also holds significant position in social and economic life of state. Analysis of the survey report by some news reports showed that the prominent OBC castes, [[Yadav]], [[Koeri]], [[Kurmi]] and [[Bania (caste)|Bania]] were the biggest beneficiary in the post mandal politics of Backward Castes. They also improved their socio-economic status and remained significant holders of government jobs. It was also found that Yadavs with biggest share in population of state at 14.26%, were less represented in government jobs in proportion of their population. In their comparison, two other prominent castes [[Koeri]] and [[Kurmi]] were better represented. The Koeri and Kurmis with much smaller population size were also found to be in better socio-economic condition. It was opined that this was a consequence of better position of Koeri and Kurmis in land ownership and educational progress.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/bihar/patna-bihar-economic-census-report-powerful-dabang-caste-yadav-participation-in-government-jobs-is-very-poor-koeri-kurmi-bhumihar-and-kayastha-is-very-good-7811516.html|title=बिहार की सबसे 'दबंग' जाति, मगर सरकारी नौकरी में फिसड्डी, आखिर क्यों पिछड़ गए इस समाज के लोग!|website=News18|date=7 November 2023 |access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible autocollapse"
|+ class="nowrap" | Table of employment among significant social groups
! Caste !! Category !! Number of people in government jobs<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/bihar/story/educational-and-economic-data-of-population-in-bihar-caste-census-ntc-1814281-2023-11-07|title=बिहार में सिर्फ 7% ग्रेजुएट, सवर्ण जातियों के 25 प्रतिशत परिवार गरीब... बिहार में जातिगत जनजणना के आर्थिक आंकड़े आए सामने|website=AajTak|date=7 November 2023 |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref>!! Percentage of population in government jobs
|-
| [[Yadav]] || [[Other Backward Caste]]|| 289,538  || 1.55%
|-
| [[Kushwaha]] ([[Koeri]]) || [[Other Backward Caste]] || 112,106 || 2.04%
|-
| [[Kurmi]] || [[Other Backward Caste]] || 117,171  || 3.11%
|-
| [[Bhumihar]] || [[Forward Caste]]|| 187,256 || 4.9%
|-
| [[Rajput]] || [[Forward Caste]]|| 171,933  || 3.81%
|-
| [[Brahmin]] || [[Forward Caste]]|| 172,259  || 3.60%
|-
| [[Kayastha]] || [[Forward Caste]]|| 52,490 || 6.68%
|-
| [[Paswan]] (Dusadh) ||[[Schedule Caste]]|| 99,230 || 1.44%
|-
| Ravidas ([[Chamar]]) ||[[Schedule Caste]]|| 82,290 || 1.20%
|-
|[[Dhobi]]  ||[[Schedule Caste]]|| 34,372	 || 3.14%
|-
|[[Pasi (caste)|Pasi]]  ||[[Schedule Caste]]|| 25,754|| 2%
|-
|[[Musahar]]  ||[[Schedule Caste]]|| 10,615	|| 0.26%
|-
|[[Bania (caste)|Bania]] (Sudhi, Modak/Mayra, Rauniyar, Pansari, Modi, Kasera, Thathera, [[Kalwar (caste)|Kalwar]]/Kalal/Eki, Kamalapuri Vaishya, Mahuri Vaishya, Bangi Vaishya, Baranwal Vaishya, Kesharvani, Agrahari Vaishya, Vaishya Poddar, Kasaudhan, Gandhvanik, Batham Vaishya, Goldar)||[[Other Backward Caste]]|| 59,286 || 1.96%
|-
| [[Teli]]||[[Other Backward Caste|Extremely Backward Caste]]|| 53,056  || 1.44%
|-
| [[Kandu|Kanu]]||[[Other Backward Caste|Extremely Backward Caste]]|| 34,404|| 1.19%
|-
| [[Dhanuk]]||[[Other Backward Caste|Extremely Backward Caste]]|| 33,337|| 1.19%
|-
| [[Kahar]] (Chandravanshi)||[[Other Backward Caste|Extremely Backward Caste]]|| 31,200|| 1.45%
|-
| [[Nai (caste)|Nai]]||[[Other Backward Caste|Extremely Backward Caste]]|| 28,756|| 1.38%
|-
| [[Barhai]]||[[Other Backward Caste|Extremely Backward Caste]]|| 20,279|| 1.07%
|-
| [[Mallaah]]||[[Other Backward Caste|Extremely Backward Caste]]|| 14,100	|| 0.41%
|-
| [[Lonia|Nonia]]||[[Other Backward Caste|Extremely Backward Caste]]|| 14,226	 	|| 0.57%
|-
| [[Shaikhs in North India|Sheikh]]||[[Forward Caste ]]|| 39,595|| 0.7%
|}

As per the survey, 95.49% of the people in Bihar do not own any vehicle. This means out of the total population of the state, 12,48,00,000 people do not own any vehicle.<ref name=News18>{{cite web|url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/bihar/patna-bihar-caste-based-census-report-less-than-5-percent-people-have-their-own-vehicles-know-details-7811424.html|title=बिहार में 4.5% लोगों के पास अपनी गाड़ी, जानें कार से लेकर बाइक तक का क्या है स्टेटस|website=News18|date=7 November 2023 |access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref>

* Around 3.80% people of Bihar own two-wheeler vehicles. In absolute figures, there are 49,62,000 two wheelers owned by Biharis.<ref name=News18/>
{| class="wikitable sortable"  style=float:center;
! Communities having significant ownership of two-wheeler vehicles in Bihar<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/india-has-gone-into-data-discomfort-explains-silence-on-bihar-caste-inequality/1839572/|title=India has gone into discomfort explains the silence on Bihars caste inequality|website=The Print|date=10 November 2023 |access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref>!! Number of two-wheelers owned
|-
| [[Yadav]] || 761,014
|-
| [[Kushwaha]] ([[Koeri]])|| 300,686
|-
| [[Kurmi]] || 191,224
|-
| [[Brahmin]]|| 321,335
|-
| [[Bhumihar]]|| 278,716
|-
| [[Rajput]]|| 312,395
|-
| [[Bania (caste)|Bania]]|| 203,411 
|-
| [[Kayastha]]|| 84,515
|}

*According to survey, only 0.13% people own a [[tractor]] in Bihar. In absolute figures the number of tractor owners stands at 167,062.<ref name=News18/>

{| class="wikitable sortable"  style=float:center;
! Communities having significant ownership of tractors in Bihar!! Number of tractors owned
|-
| [[Yadav]] || 51,975
|-
| [[Kushwaha]] ([[Koeri]])|| 12,428
|-
| [[Kurmi]] || 7,170
|-
| [[Brahmin]]|| 13,315
|-
| [[Bhumihar]]|| 12,014
|-
| [[Rajput]]|| 12,031
|-
| [[Bania (caste)|Bania]]|| 3,558 
|-
| [[Kayastha]]|| 642
|}
* The owners of three wheeler vehicles comprised 0.11% of the population of Bihar. In numerical terms they made up 142,689 people.<ref name=News18/>

{| class="wikitable sortable"  style=float:center;
! Communities having significant ownership of three-wheeler vehicles in Bihar!! Number of three-wheelers owned
|-
| [[Yadav]] || 24,765
|-
| [[Kushwaha]] ([[Koeri]])|| 6,571
|-
| [[Kurmi]] || 4,552
|-
| [[Brahmin]]|| 6,704
|-
| [[Bhumihar]]|| 5,109
|-
| [[Rajput]]|| 6,149
|-
| [[Bania (caste)|Bania]]|| 5,376 
|-
| [[Kayastha]]|| 1,340
|}

==Reactions to Caste Survey Report==
The caste survey figure, however, were challenged by many politicians of the state. It was alleged that the population of certain castes were inflated while the population of others were underrepresented in the survey. Prominent Schedule Caste leader of state, [[Chirag Paswan]] accused that it was done in order to reap political gains. It was widely believed that population of [[Kushwaha]] caste was underrepresented in the survey.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/chirag-paswan-questions-bihar-caste-census-data/article67376762.ece|title=Chirag Paswan questions Bihar caste census|website=The Hindu|date=3 October 2023 |access-date=5 October 2023 |last1=Nair |first1=Sobhana K. }}</ref> The president of [[Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal]], [[Upendra Kushwaha]] also claimed that the figures are unreliable as the sub-caste of Kushwaha community like [[Dangi people|Dangi]]s were counted as a separate entity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/politics/bihar-caste-survey-stirs-hornets-nest-as-leaders-question-numbers-will-do-own-survey-says-jdu-mp/1796204/|title=Bihar caste survey stirs hornets' nest as leaders question numbers. 'Will do own survey,' says JD(U) MP|website=The Print|access-date=8 October 2023}}</ref>

During the process of caste data collection itself, officials of General Administration department (GAD) informed that some people can be left out of survey, as survey is a sub-set of census and cannot be expected to have 100% coverage.<ref name="leftout"/> On 5 October 2023, [[BJP]] MP from Patna Sahib [[Ravi Shankar Prasad]] said that no one met him or his family to collect their caste information and implied that the survey data was manipulated to suit RJD.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bjp-leaders-big-charge-on-bihar-caste-survey-tejashwi-yadav-reacts-4450972|title=BJP Leader's Big Charge On Bihar Caste Survey. Tejashwi Yadav Reacts}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ravi-shankar-prasad-slams-nitish-government-over-caste-survey-says-it-has-fake-data/article67380054.ece|title=Ravi Shankar Prasad slams Nitish government over caste survey, says it has 'fake data'|newspaper=The Hindu |date=4 October 2023 |last1=Bhelari |first1=Amit }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-caste-survey-not-done-properly-says-exminister-101696445957135.html|title=Bihar caste survey not done properly, says ex-minister|date=5 October 2023 }}</ref> [[Information and Public Relations Department, Bihar]] countered this allegation saying his and his family's data was collected as per norm. [[Tejashwi Yadav]] remarked that if caste data was to be altered, Nitish Kumar would have exaggerated the numbers of his own Kurmi caste.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/had-bihar-caste-survey-data-been-altered-tejashwi-yadav-hits-back-at-bjp-4462342|title="Had Bihar Caste Survey Data Been Altered...": Tejashwi Yadav Hits Back At BJP}}</ref>

The revealing of numbers of various caste groups also brought the discussion about political representation of various castes on fore. The discussion about castes of Members of [[Bihar Legislative Assembly]] and the [[Members of Parliament]] from Bihar were done for the sake of finding out representation of largest social group of Bihar called Extremely Backward Castes, whose numbers turned out to be approximately 36% in the caste survey. Several reports revealed that forward castes were overrepresented in the number of legislators from Bihar contrary to their minute share in population. The Hindu Forward Castes, who made up nearly 10% percent of the population of the state had 64 Member of Legislative Assembly in 243 membered house in the 2020 to 2025 Assembly period. It was found that among the Forward Castes, [[Rajput]]s had seven Member of Parliament out of 40 [[Lok Sabha]] members from Bihar, making them grossly overrepresented. Yadav caste also had large share in number of legislators in State Assembly and they made up 52 out of 243 MLAs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihars-political-arithmetic-in-the-aftermath-of-the-caste-based-survey/article67372647.ece|title=Bihars political arithmetic in the aftermath of caste based survey|website=The Hindu|date=3 October 2023 |access-date=9 October 2023 |last1=Bhelari |first1=Amit }}</ref> In the state legislative assembly, among the Forward Castes, Rajputs had 28 legislators, which was grossly disproportionate to their population, which was pegged at approximately 3.4 percent.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/bihar/one-in-every-four-members-in-new-bihar-assembly-will-be-from-upper-caste/articleshow/79214031.cms|title=One in every four members in new Bihar Assembly will be from upper caste|website=Times of India|date=17 November 2020 |access-date=9 October 2023}}</ref> A study after [[2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly election]]s found that most of the Forward Caste legislators were elected on the symbol of [[Bharatiya Janata Party]], which distributed 52 out of 110 seats it contested to Forward Castes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/978687/bihar-polls-32-charts-reveal-caste-gender-religious-and-criminal-composition-of-the-new-assembly|title=Bihar polls: 32 charts reveal caste, gender, religious and criminal composition of the new assembly|website=Scroll.in|date=18 November 2020 |access-date=9 October 2023}}</ref>

==Follow-up on the report==
{{Main|Reservation policy in Bihar}}
On 9 November 2023, Bihar Assembly Passed Bill For 65% Caste Quota excluding 10% EWS Quota,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-assembly-passes-bills-to-increase-quota-from-50-per-cent-to-65-per-cent/article67516423.ece|title=Bihar Assembly passes Bills to increase quota from 50% to 65%|newspaper=The Hindu |date=9 November 2023 |last1=Tewary |first1=Amarnath }}</ref> in government jobs and educational institutions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/chirag-slams-cm-seeking-spl-category-status/articleshow/105304564.cms|title=Chirag slams CM for seeking spl category status|newspaper=The Times of India |date=18 November 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bihar-passes-bill-to-raise-caste-quota-to-65-past-supreme-court-cap-4560310|title=Bihar Assembly Passes Bill For 65% Caste Quota, Past Supreme Court Cap}}</ref><ref name="thehindu.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-governor-approves-bill-raising-reservation-quota-from-50-to-65/article67545405.ece|title=Bihar Governor approves Bill raising reservation from 50% to 65%|newspaper=The Hindu |date=17 November 2023 |last1=Tewary |first1=Amarnath }}</ref> The new reservation quota percentages include 20% for Scheduled Castes, 2% for Scheduled Tribes, 18% for Backward Classes, 25% for Extremely Backward Classes, and 10% for the economically weaker section among the Upper Castes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bihar-caste-survey-quota-hike-notification-nitish-kumar-2465932-2023-11-21|title=Bihar issues official notifications for raising caste-based quota from 50% to 65%}}</ref> The existing 3% reservation for BC women was scrapped.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/pil-plea-filed-in-patna-high-court-challenging-quota-hike/article67579941.ece|title=PIL plea filed in Patna High Court challenging quota hike}}</ref> Bihar Government issued gazette notifications for raising the quota to 75% after Governor [[Rajendra Arlekar]] gave his assent to two bills.<ref name="thehindu.com"/> The two bills were notified as - The Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (For Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes) (Amendment) Act 2023, and The Bihar (In Admission in Educational Institutions) Reservation (Amendment) Act 2023.

On 20 June 2024, [[Patna High Court]] struck down 65 per cent reservation cap in government jobs and educational institutions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-20 |title=Patna high court strikes down Bihar govt's 65% reservation in jobs, education |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/patna-high-court-strikes-down-bihar-govts-65-reservation-in-jobs-education/articleshow/111131372.cms |access-date=2024-09-08 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-21 |title=Faizan Mustafa writes on Patna High Court reservation ruling: An overemphasis on merit |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/faizan-mustafa-patna-high-court-ruling-judiciary-anti-reservation-bias-9407216/ |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Demographics of Bihar]]
* [[Biharis]]
* [[Other Backward Class]]
* [[Reservation in India]]
* [[2011 Socio Economic and Caste Census]]
* [[2015 Karnataka Socio-Economic and Education Survey]]
* [[2023 Odisha Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Survey]]
* [[2024 Andhra Pradesh Comprehensive Caste Survey]]
* [[2024 Telangana Social Educational Employment Economic Caste Survey]]

==Footnotes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [https://cbs.bihar.gov.in/#/home Official website]

[[Category:2022 in India]]
[[Category:2020s in Bihar]]
[[Category:Demographics of India]]
[[Category:Nitish Kumar]]