In a landmark decision, the Bihar government today approved 35 per cent reservation for women in all government jobs in the state.

The cabinet meeting was chaired by chief minister Nitish Kumar.

During campaigning for the Bihar assembly elections last year, Nitish Kumar, who was the chief ministerial candidate of the Grand Alliance of Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress, had promised 35 per cent reservation for women in all government jobs if he formed a government again.

According to socio-political analysts in Bihar, a large number of women, cutting across caste and religion had voted for Nitish Kumar in the last assembly elections.

In fact, women voters outnumbered male voters in the five-phase Bihar assembly elections. They have emerged as a prominent vote bank - more powerful than the youth and caste factor in the state.

Experts said this was a result of several schemes initiated by Nitish Kumar for woman empowerment, including 50 per cent posts in Panchayati Raj elections and primary school teachers' recruitment for women and 35 per cent of all police jobs for women.

The government's scheme to promote education among girls by providing them free cycles has increased school enrolment in rural areas.

ALSO READ

Nitish-Lalu bond big time on occasion of Makar Sankranti



Nitish takes aloo out of samosa with 13.5 per cent luxury tax on samosas, jalebis

