Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced 50 percent quota for OBC, EBC and SC/STs in all government contracts up to Rs 15 lakh and by removing the mandatory 75 percent attendance cap for students to avail benefits of the state's uniform and bicycle schemes.
Meanwhile, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said that Nitish Kumar had emulated his idea adding that he was forced to do so because of his political compulsions.
Manjhi had proposed quota for OBCs in contracts up to Rs 50 lakh during his tenure as the chief minister. However, the Nitish Cabinet has capped it at Rs 15 lakh.
The assembly polls in Bihar would be held most likely in September or October this year.
The BJP, which along with its allies had won 31 of the 40 seats in Bihar in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, is set for a battle against a united Janata Parivar comprising of the JD (U) and RJD.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app