In a significant move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday announced 35% reservation for women candidates who are native to Bihar in all direct recruitment to government jobs. The decision was approved by the state cabinet, marking a key pre-poll initiative aimed at strengthening the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and employment.

While women in Bihar already enjoyed a degree of reservation in select government services, this latest decision institutionalises a uniform 35% quota for permanent resident women across all government departments and recruitment levels.

In a parallel announcement, the Cabinet also approved the formation of the Bihar Youth Commission, aimed at enhancing employment opportunities, vocational training, and support for the youth across the state. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said the commission would play an advisory role on youth-related policies and development programs.