The North News
New Delhi, July 8
The Bihar government has approved 35 percent reservation for women in all state government jobs, in a major move to boost gender representation in public service. The decision, made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday, will apply to women who are permanent residents of Bihar. It introduces horizontal reservation across all direct recruitment processes for government positions.
“This decision will ensure that women who are native to Bihar receive 35% reservation across all cadres of state government services,” said Chief Secretary S. Siddharth at a press briefing following the meeting.
The cabinet also cleared 43 other proposals, including the formation of a new Bihar Youth Commission — a body designed to address issues faced by the state’s young population.
Announcing the decision on social media, the Chief Minister said the commission would help provide “more and more employment opportunities” and enhance skill development among the youth.
The Bihar Youth Commission will comprise a chairperson, two vice-chairpersons, and seven members, all aged 45 or below. It will advise the government on policies for youth upliftment and work with departments to improve education and employment opportunities.
The commission will also push for local hiring in the private sector and look after the interests of Bihari youth living or working outside the state. Tackling social issues such as substance abuse is also within its mandate.
The Nitish Kumar-led government said the commission’s ultimate goal is to make Bihar’s youth “self-reliant, skilled, and employment-oriented.”
