In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, the Indian government cited a 2012 report by an inter-ministerial group to assert that Bihar does not qualify for special category status. This announcement has sparked a response from the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], a key member of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), who reminded the government of their "promise" to fulfill Bihar's demand for this status. The JD(U)'s reminder comes just a day after they renewed their call for special category status for Bihar during an all-party meeting preceding the Monsoon session of Parliament.
On the first day of the Monsoon session, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary referenced the 2012 report, stating that Bihar's case does not meet the criteria for special category status. The report outlined that such status has historically been granted by the National Development Council (NDC) to states with specific characteristics requiring special consideration. These characteristics include:
- Hilly and difficult terrain
- Low population density or a sizable tribal population
- Strategic location along international borders
- Economic and infrastructural backwardness
- Non-viable state finances
The minister explained that these factors, taken as an integrated whole, did not justify Bihar's special category status as per the existing NDC criteria. The 2012 inter-ministerial group concluded that Bihar did not qualify under these criteria.
Reacting to the government's reply, top sources from JD(U) emphasized their commitment to securing Bihar's special category status. They insisted that if technical issues prevent granting this status, the government should instead provide a special package to support Bihar's development. The JD(U) sources made it clear that their alliance with the NDA hinges on the promise of special status for Bihar.
In the all-party meeting held on Sunday, July 21, other parties such as the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Rashtriya Janata Dal also reiterated the demand for special category status for Bihar. Similar demands were raised by the Biju Janata Dal for Odisha and the YSR Congress Party for Andhra Pradesh.
The special category status involves providing a state with benefits like financial aid, tax concessions, and other forms of support from the central government. States typically seek this status to address economic backwardness, geographical challenges, and socio-economic disadvantages. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities and differing viewpoints surrounding the allocation of special category status and the criteria used to determine eligibility.
