Bihar reserves 35% government jobs for local women
Bihar Boosts Domicile Women and Youth Empowerment: In a major policy change, the Bihar government has approved 35% reservation in all state government jobs exclusively for women who are domiciled in Bihar. The decision was taken during the State Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on July 8, 2025.
This reservation policy marks a shift from earlier norms, where the 35% horizontal reservation for women applied irrespective of the candidate’s state of origin. Now, only native women of Bihar will be eligible under this quota for direct recruitment across all cadres.
Static GK fact: Horizontal reservation ensures benefits across all vertical categories like SC, ST, OBC, and General.
Shift in eligibility rules
This move, driven by the General Administration Department (GAD), means that women from other states will no longer benefit from Bihar’s 35% reservation policy. As per S Siddharth, Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat, these applicants will now be considered under the general category.
The new rule is expected to improve employment prospects for Bihar’s women and boost female representation in governance and public administration.
Timing aligned with political strategy
The announcement comes just ahead of Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections, and many see it as a calculated decision to win the support of women voters, who played a crucial role in previous elections.
The Nitish Kumar government has a record of women-centric initiatives, such as reservations in Panchayati Raj institutions, bicycle schemes for girls, and education incentives.
Static GK Tip: Bihar was the first Indian state to introduce 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions.
Bihar Youth Commission gets Cabinet nod
In the same cabinet meeting, the government also approved the creation of the Bihar Youth Commission. This newly formed body aims to address youth welfare, employment, and education issues in the state.
The Commission will advise the government on:
- Youth development policies
- Education and employment opportunities
- Hiring trends in private sector
- Issues faced by Bihari youth outside the state
Structure and focus areas
The Commission will include one Chairman, two Vice-Presidents, and seven members, all under the age of 45. The structure aims to keep the body young and dynamic, reflecting the voice of Bihar’s youth.
It will also look into:
- Unemployment among educated and economically weaker youth
- Strategies for improving living conditions
- Promotion of merit-based incentives for students
Static GK fact: India has one of the world’s largest youth populations, with over 50% below the age of 25.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
| Topic | Detail |
| Reservation Percentage | 35% in all state government jobs for domicile women |
| Policy Date | July 8, 2025 |
| Eligible Candidates | Only women domiciled in Bihar |
| Previous Rule | 35% horizontal reservation for all women regardless of domicile |
| Implementing Body | General Administration Department (GAD) |
| Political Impact | Timed ahead of state assembly elections |
| Youth Commission | Approved in the same cabinet meeting |
| Commission Members | 1 Chairman, 2 Vice-Presidents, 7 members under age 45 |
| Key Goals | Youth employment, private sector monitoring, policy advisory |
| Government in Power | Nitish Kumar–led Bihar government |
