Bihar Cabinet Approves 35% Job Quota for Women, Establishes Youth Commission

Patna: The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has approved a 35% reservation for women in all state government jobs. The decision, announced following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, applies to women who are permanent residents of Bihar and will be implemented across all direct recruitment in government service cadres.

Chief Secretary S. Siddharth informed reporters that the reservation is horizontal in nature and will apply across categories. This move is part of a broader set of 44 proposals cleared by the state cabinet during the meeting.

In a separate development, the cabinet also approved the formation of a new Bihar Youth Commission, intended to function as an advisory body on matters related to youth development. The commission will work with various departments to address issues such as education access, skill training, and employment opportunities for young people in the state.

According to official statements, the commission will consist of one chairperson, two vice-chairpersons, and seven members. Its stated responsibilities include recommending policies to improve employment prospects, ensuring that local youth are considered in private sector hiring within Bihar, and offering guidance for those studying or working outside the state.

The commission is also expected to address social challenges such as substance abuse among youth and submit regular reports to the state government with suggestions for intervention.

While the announcements have been positioned as steps toward increasing employment and empowerment, their implementation and long-term impact remain to be seen. Some observers note that successful outcomes will depend on clear execution, adequate funding, and coordination across departments.

The reservation policy and formation of the commission come at a time when youth employment and gender inclusion continue to be key socio-economic concerns in Bihar.