Patna: A dispute over caste nomenclature in Bihar’s official records has prompted 29 legislators from different political parties to write to Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, seeking the replacement of ‘Bhumihar’ with ‘Bhumihar Brahmin’ in the relevant administrative records.
The group comprises 21 MLAs and eight Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) affiliated with the BJP, JD(U), RJD, HAM and LJP (Ram Vilas), according to the report.
The representatives argue that the difference between the two entries is creating difficulties for people obtaining caste certificates and reconciling current government documents with older records.
General Administration Department’s List Under Scrutiny
In their letter, the legislators have attributed the discrepancy to the nomenclature used in a list maintained by Bihar’s General Administration Department.
They claim that historical documents, including the 1931 Census, land records known as khatiyans, and gazetteers, contain the term ‘Bhumihar Brahmin’. However, caste certificates issued under the current administrative system may record the community simply as ‘Bhumihar’.
The signatories have asked the state government to examine the discrepancy and issue clear directions to the authorities responsible for issuing caste certificates.
Why the Difference in Records Matters
The legislators have highlighted cases in which a father’s older land record reportedly mentions ‘Bhumihar Brahmin’, while his son’s caste certificate or another official document records ‘Bhumihar’.
According to the representatives, such differences can create complications when documents are verified across states or used for administrative purposes.
They have also raised concerns about potential difficulties in matters relating to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates and reservation-related documentation. The precise implications in individual cases would depend on the applicable rules and the requirements of the concerned authority.
Legislators Claim Issue Affects 39 Lakh People
The letter describes the issue as one affecting approximately 39 lakh people. The representatives say the matter extends beyond caste certificates to include consistency between historical land records, gazetteers and present-day government documents.
Kanti MLA Ajit Kumar and Ekma MLA Dhumal Singh have reportedly described the issue as an administrative problem requiring a timely resolution.
The legislators have argued that without clear instructions on how older records should be treated, applicants could continue to face difficulties at circle offices when seeking certificates or other documentation.
Who Signed the Letter?
According to the report, the 21 MLAs who signed the letter are:
Vijay Kumar Sinha, Ajit Kumar, Jivesh Kumar, Vishal Prashant, Babulal Shaurya, Madhav Anand, Kumar Pushpanjay, Sachindra Prasad Singh, Shalini Mishra, Romit Kumar, Rituraj Kumar, Kundan Kumar, Pankaj Kumar Mishra, Manoj Kumar, Rajnish Kumar, Narendra Kumar Singh, Ranjan Kumar, Devesh Kant Singh, Rahul Kumar, Anant Kumar Singh and Siddharth Saurav.
The eight MLCs named in the report are Sarvesh Kumar, Kartik Kumar, Sachchidanand Rai, Anil Kumar, Surya Sharma, Ajay Singh, Neeraj Kumar and Saurabh Kumar.
Demand for Changes to Gazetteers and Administrative Records
The legislators have urged the Chief Minister to consider historical records, including the 1931 Census, khatiyans and gazetteers, while addressing the discrepancy.
Their demands include revising the relevant administrative list and issuing directions to ensure that applications are not rejected solely because of differences in caste nomenclature between older records and current certificates.
Any change would require consideration by the state government and the relevant authorities under the applicable administrative and legal framework.
State Government’s Response Awaited
The letter brings together legislators from multiple political parties around a common administrative demand. The next step will depend on how the state government responds and whether it initiates a review of the existing nomenclature and certificate-issuance procedures.
No final decision on the requested changes is established in the information provided. The issue is therefore currently a demand raised by the legislators, rather than a confirmed change in Bihar’s official caste records.
