JD(U) passes resolution demanding special status and financial package for Bihar
- In Reports
- 06:22 PM, Jun 29, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Janata Dal (United) party, a crucial ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling coalition, has resolved to urge the central government to grant special category status or a special financial package for Bihar. This decision emerged from the party's national executive meeting held in Delhi.
Bihar has long been advocating for special category status (SCS) from the central government to tackle its economic and developmental challenges. According to a recent survey, nearly a third of Bihar's population lives below the poverty line. The state's per capita income, standing at around Rs 60,000 or $719, is among the lowest in the country.
Notably, the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) holds 12 seats in the newly elected lower house of parliament, bolstering the ruling BJP's position in the central government. Since joining the NDA alliance under Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership, the party has consistently highlighted Bihar's economic challenges and the pressing need for increased central assistance to address these issues.
JD(U)'s emphasis on securing more financial resources for Bihar reflects its ongoing efforts to advocate for the state's development priorities within the coalition. This strategic alignment has enabled JD(U) to leverage its parliamentary strength to push for policies and support from the central government aimed at bolstering Bihar's economy and infrastructure.
In addition to demanding special status for Bihar, JD(U) has also called for increased reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. This move follows a recent decision by the Patna High Court to invalidate Bihar's legislative amendments from 2023, which aimed to raise the quota for backward classes from 50 percent to 65 percent in educational institutions and government jobs.
At its national executive meeting, the JD(U) elected Sanjay Jha, a Rajya Sabha MP, as its new working president. During the meeting, JD(U) national spokesperson KC Tyagi reiterated the party's commitment that Nitish Kumar will remain within the NDA alliance. Additionally, the JD(U) announced its intention to field candidates in the upcoming 2024 Jharkhand elections, according to reports.
These developments underscore JD(U)'s strategic focus on both social justice issues and electoral preparations, aiming to strengthen its influence and advocacy for Bihar's interests within the political landscape.
Image source: PTI
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