Bihar Restricts 35% Women’s Quota in Government Jobs to State Domicile Holders
In a significant policy shift, the Bihar government has amended its 35% reservation rule for women in state government jobs, now making it exclusive to women who are permanent residents of Bihar. This landmark decision was approved by the state cabinet on July 8, 2025, just months before the upcoming state assembly elections.
The move marks a departure from the previous structure, where women from across India were eligible under the 35% reservation policy introduced in 2016. Under the new rule, non-domicile women will have to apply under the general category, effectively losing access to this reserved quota.
Why the Policy Change Matters
The revised policy is expected to have a direct impact on public service recruitments in Bihar, particularly in competitive exams like BPSC, clerical jobs, education departments, and health services. It aims to ensure job reservation benefits are retained for native women, reinforcing regional representation in the state’s workforce.
According to official sources, the decision will not impact women from outside Bihar who are already employed under the earlier rule. The change will apply prospectively to all new government job applications.
A Strategic Move Ahead of 2025 State Elections
Analysts view this move as a politically strategic decision by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, aiming to consolidate support among female voters, a key demographic that played a crucial role in the last two elections.
The state already has a progressive track record with 50% reservation for women in local bodies. This latest step strengthens that narrative and is likely to find favor with the rural electorate, especially in Tier II and Tier III districts where government jobs remain a primary livelihood source.
Additional Cabinet Announcements
Alongside the quota restriction, the Bihar cabinet also announced the formation of a Youth Commission to address youth-centric issues such as skill development and employment access. Other welfare measures included:
- Increased pensions for widows and disabled women
- Special financial assistance for physically challenged students appearing in competitive exams like UPSC and BPSC
These initiatives are collectively aimed at reinforcing the state’s commitment to social equity and youth empowerment.
Reactions and Implications
While the move is being welcomed by many within Bihar, critics have raised concerns over its exclusionary nature. Legal experts believe the domicile condition could face judicial scrutiny, particularly from aspirants in neighboring states who have been applying in Bihar for years.
Still, the policy strengthens the focus on local employment and addresses long-standing demands to prioritize Bihar-born candidates in state government recruitment processes.
Conclusion
The Bihar government’s decision to restrict the 35% women’s reservation in state jobs to domicile holders marks a crucial shift in policy with far-reaching electoral and administrative consequences. As the 2025 assembly elections approach, this move positions the ruling coalition as champions of women empowerment and regional job equity.
Whether it translates into electoral gains or faces legal hurdles remains to be seen, but one thing is clear women from Bihar now have exclusive access to one of the most significant employment support systems in the state’s history.
