The INDIA bloc has unveiled a 10-point resolution for the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) in Bihar, pledging to provide greater reservation, land rights, and educational benefits if it comes to power. At the Ati Pichhda Nyay Sankalp event in Patna, senior Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi promised that the alliance would enact new laws and scrap existing rules that disadvantage the EBC community.
Priyanka Gandhi announced that the bloc would also introduce an ‘Extremely Backward Atrocity Prevention Act’ to safeguard the rights of EBCs, while Rahul Gandhi assured that all ten commitments would be implemented without delay.
I am writing about this because the announcement is not just political rhetoric but a reflection of the ongoing demand for social justice in Bihar, where EBCs form a significant part of the population. For decades, communities under the EBC category have sought stronger representation in education, government jobs, and land ownership.
By focusing on them, the INDIA bloc is addressing issues of systemic exclusion that have shaped Bihar’s political and social landscape. It is important to understand these promises because they highlight how education and land reforms remain central to empowering marginalised groups, and how political parties use policy commitments to bridge gaps in equity and justice.
Key Promises Made by the INDIA Bloc
- New Law: Introduction of an Extremely Backward Atrocity Prevention Act.
- Reservation: Increased quota for EBCs in local bodies and institutions.
- Land Rights: Special provisions to provide land to landless families.
- Education Support: Scholarships, fee waivers, and better access to higher education.
- Employment: Benefits in government contracts and removal of the “Not Found Suitable” rule.
Why This Matters in Bihar
Bihar has one of the largest EBC populations in the country, many of whom remain underrepresented in education and formal employment. Historically, policies have focused on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, while EBCs have often been left out of meaningful reforms. By targeting these communities directly, the INDIA bloc is making a calculated political move, but also raising a larger debate on inclusive development.
Political Context
The promises come ahead of the upcoming elections in Bihar, where caste politics remains a deciding factor. The bloc’s resolution not only challenges the ruling government but also attempts to reshape the conversation around equality, fairness, and representation.
