Bihar Cabinet Makes Domicile Mandatory for Women to Access 35% Reservation in State Govt. Jobs

It is one such move by the Bihar Cabinet whereby women in need of the 35 % quota in state government jobs will need to be domiciled in Bihar in the first place. Earlier on, this reservation (introduced in 2016) could be utilized by women of other states as well. This move came in advance of state elections which will take place in future so as to make sure that the reservation benefits are restricted to people living in Bihar. The state has also passed another novel project, the Bihar Youth Commission, which would allow supporting, nurturing youth and creating jobs within the state.

Context

• The 35% reservation given to women to work in government jobs has now been limited by the Bihar Cabinet to those who are domiciled in Bihar. 

• It was also decided by the Cabinet to constitute the Bihar Youth Commission to orient on the youth development and skill and employment.

Key Points 

• Women Domicile Requirement:

  • The new rule stipulates that women will be allowed to utilize the 35% reservation offered on state government jobs only to women of Bihar.

  • Females in other states will be now treated as general category applicants.

• Policy background:

  • In Bihar, a 35% quota of women jobs in the government was brought in 2016.

  • The rest of the benefit is now restricted to women resident of Bihar because of the change in domicile policy.

• Bihar Youth Commission:

  • The Bihar Cabinet authorized establishment of a "Bihar Youth Commission."

  • The commission shall also be geared at empowering youths to be self-reliant, skillful and job-oriented offering them training and employment opportunities.

• Youth Empowerment Projects:

  • The commission will be offering advice to the government in areas that regard youth such as education and employment.

  • It will further make sure that the young people in Bihar enjoy priority in securing a job in the privately held organizations in the state.

  • The commission will as well deal with the youths drinking and drug abuse.

Women reservation in Government Jobs

Economic Participation and Gender Equality:

• When economically participating in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, India is placed at rank 142 of 146 countries.

• Almost 50 % of the population is women and yet their contribution to GDP is only 18 %.

• This policy will help to get a considerable output of women in the job market, which will have the estimated benefit of enhancing India ranking.

Advantages of Reservation:

• Social Empowerment: Guarantees the representation of women in the positions of working in the range of public sector jobs breaking the traditional gender stereotypes.

• Economic Growth: Enhancing the number of women in the economy is capable of enhancing the economy and eradicating gender disparities in matters concerning leadership.

• Policy Focus: Since women will be given major positions, there will be additional pressure to have policies that favor women which includes better maternity days, childcare, and safety at work.

Social and Cultural Challenges:

• These may include possible resentment because the policy would take away choice opportunities available to men particularly in times of peak unemployment and there would be social tensions.

• Infrastructural changes: Places of work would require infrastructural changes such as crutches and flexible time.

• Patriarchal Resistance: To the extent that society still has deeply rooted attitudes towards women, implementation may be associated with some resistance unless it is accompanied with more comprehensive cultural changes.

Implementation Concerns:

• Logistical issues: The transition into such a massive distinction of employment regulations can cause management stagnation and legal issues.

• When being fair: The policy must introduce stringent measures to curb nepotism and corruption besides discouraging charity of merit.

Conclusion

Making domicile a requisite to access the 35% reservation employment entitlement means that the Bihar government is concerned about giving the advantage to those residing in the state. With this, it is notable that there has been a concerted effort of uplifting the youth in the state through the creation of the Bihar Youth Commission that will lead to skills development and new employment opportunities and help the youth in all aspects including their overall well being.