Government Denies Special Category Status for Bihar Amid Renewed Demands

The government has reiterated its stance against granting special category status to Bihar, following renewed demands from BJP's allies and opposition parties. Citing a 2012 inter-ministerial group report, the Minister of State for Finance stated that Bihar does not meet the criteria. The decision echoes the 14th Finance Commission's recommendation against additional states receiving this status.

The government on Monday reiterated that Bihar does not qualify for special category status. This clarification comes after BJP's Bihar allies reignited demands for the status.

Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary highlighted a 2012 inter-ministerial group report and existing National Development Council (NDC) criteria to support the stance.

Factors such as hilly terrain, low population density, tribal population share, strategic border location, economic backwardness, and non-viable state finances were considered, Chaudhary noted in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

Earlier, Congress-led UPA was in power when the 2012 report concluded Bihar didn't meet special status requirements.

Despite ongoing demands from JD(U) and LJP, the central government referred to the 14th Finance Commission's stance against adding more states to the special category list, which includes tax relief and higher central funding.