Mandal is a caste category that falls under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in Bihar. This caste category is mainly found in the central and eastern regions of Bihar. The Mandal caste has a significant presence in the political and social spheres of Bihar. In this article, we will discuss the Mandal caste category in Bihar in detail.
Mandal Caste Category in Bihar: History of Mandal Caste Category:
The Mandal caste category was created by the Mandal Commission in 1980. The commission was formed to identify India’s socially and educationally backward classes and recommend measures for their upliftment. The Mandal Commission identified the Mandal caste category as a socially and educationally backward class and recommended that they be included in the OBC category.
Demographics of Mandal Caste Category:
The Mandal caste category in Bihar is mainly found in the central and eastern regions of Bihar. According to the 2011 Census, the Mandal caste category constitutes 5.37% of the population in Bihar. The Mandal caste category has a significant presence in the districts of Munger, Bhagalpur, Banka, Jamui, and Lakhisarai.
Table 1: District-wise Population of Mandal Caste Category in Bihar
| District | The population of Mandal Caste Category |
| Munger | 62,576 |
| Bhagalpur | 52,956 |
| Banka | 47,784 |
| Jamui | 44,689 |
| Lakhisarai | 39,858 |
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Mandal Caste Category in Bihar: Political Representation of Mandal Caste Category:
The Mandal caste category has a significant presence in the political sphere of Bihar. The Mandal caste category features a solid nearness within the Janata Dal (Joined together) (JD(U)) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) political parties. Table 2: Mandal Caste Category Leaders in Bihar
| Name | Political Party | Position Held |
| Nitish Kumar | JD(U) | Chief Minister of Bihar |
| Lalu Prasad Yadav | RJD | Former Chief Minister |
| Sharad Yadav | JD(U) | Former Union Minister |
| Upendra Kushwaha | RLSP | Former Union Minister |
| Jitan Ram Manjhi | HAM(S) | Former Chief Minister |
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Social and Economic Status of Mandal Caste Category:
The Mandal caste category is mainly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. They also work as labourers in construction and other manual work. The literacy rate among the Mandal caste category is lower than the state average. However, there has been an increase in the number of Mandal caste category members who are getting educated.
Table 3: Literacy Rate among Mandal Caste Category in Bihar
| Literacy Rate | Male | Female |
| Total | 50.82% | 23.36% |
| Rural | 47.23% | 21.72% |
| Urban | 72.51% | 40.82% |
Social Issues Faced by Mandal Caste Category:
The Mandal caste category faces social discrimination and exclusion in various aspects of their lives. The Mandal caste category also faces discrimination in education and employment opportunities.
Mandal Caste Category in Bihar: Government Schemes for Mandal Caste Category:
The Government of Bihar has implemented various schemes for the upliftment of the Mandal caste category. Here are some of the government schemes that have been implemented for the Mandal caste category:
Mukhyamantri Nischay Swayam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana: This scheme provides financial assistance to unemployed youth from economically weaker sections, including the Mandal caste category.
Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana: This scheme aims to improve the education status of girls from economically weaker sections, including the Mandal caste category. Under this scheme, girls are given a scholarship.
Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana: This scheme provides financial assistance to families belonging to the Mandal caste category for the marriage of their daughters.
Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana: This scheme provides financial assistance to families from the Mandal caste category to construct their houses in rural areas. Under this scheme, eligible families receive a grant of Rs. 1.2 lakhs for the construction of their houses.
Mukhyamantri Alpasankhyak Rozgar Rin Yojana: This scheme provides financial assistance to unemployed youth from minority communities, including the Mandal caste category. Under this scheme, eligible candidates receive a loan of up to Rs. 5 lakhs at a subsidized interest rate of 4%.
Mandal Caste Category in Bihar: FAQs
The Mandal caste category is a community that falls under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in Bihar. They are primarily involved in agriculture and other allied activities.
The Mandal caste category represents around 10-12% of the population in Bihar.
The Mandal caste category faces issues of social discrimination and exclusion, and lack of access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Yes, there are several Mandal caste politicians in Bihar who are actively involved in state politics.
The government has executed different plans for the upliftment of the Mandal caste category, counting monetary help for instruction, work, and lodging. These plans are pointed at making strides in their social and financial status and advancing their in general improvement.