In a significant policy move ahead of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s cabinet has approved a 35% reservation in all state government jobs exclusively for women who are permanent residents of Bihar. This decision applies horizontally across all categories and government departments, aiming to prioritise employment opportunities for local women and strengthen their socio-economic empowerment.
Alongside this, the cabinet has also announced the formation of the Bihar Youth Commission to focus on youth welfare, skill development, and employment. Officials believe these initiatives will boost local participation and welfare, while political analysts view them as strategic steps to consolidate electoral support among women and youth voters.
35% Reservation for Bihar Women: Empowering Local Talent
The cabinet’s new directive restricts the 35% horizontal reservation for women in government jobs solely to candidates who hold permanent domicile status in Bihar. This marks a shift from the earlier policy, which allowed women from outside the state to also benefit from the quota.
The reservation covers all government departments and services, including education, health, police, and administration, reflecting a comprehensive approach to gender inclusion. The move is expected to open thousands of opportunities for local women, addressing longstanding concerns about outsiders occupying state jobs.
Political Context and Broader Initiatives Ahead of the Elections
The timing of this policy change is significant, coming months before the state assembly elections. Women voters have historically been a crucial demographic in Bihar’s electoral politics, and this policy aims to strengthen the government’s appeal among them by addressing their employment concerns directly.
Additionally, the cabinet has approved the establishment of the Bihar Youth Commission, tasked with advising the government on youth-related issues, monitoring private sector employment preferences for local youth, and tackling social challenges such as substance abuse and unemployment.
Political analysts suggest these initiatives are part of a broader strategy by Nitish Kumar’s government to consolidate its voter base by focusing on social justice, empowerment, and regional pride.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we recognise the importance of targeted policies that empower women and youth, especially in regions facing developmental challenges. Prioritising local candidates can help address unemployment and social inequities, fostering community upliftment.
However, we also believe that such policies must be carefully balanced to maintain inclusivity and fairness, ensuring that deserving candidates from diverse backgrounds are not unfairly excluded.
