Patna: The State Commission for the Development of Upper Castes (Savarna Commission) failed to reach a consensus on whether the caste name should be recorded as “Bhumihar” or “Bhumihar Brahmin” in official government documents. The issue was discussed during the commission’s third meeting held on Wednesday, but members remained divided.
Of the five commission members, opinions were split into two camps, with some supporting the use of “Bhumihar” while others favoured “Bhumihar Brahmin.” Initially, a proposal was made to settle the matter through voting.
However, apprehensions that a vote-based decision could lead to controversy prompted the members to unanimously decide to refer the issue back to the state government.
Earlier meetings of the Savarna Commission held on November 21 and December 8 had also failed to resolve the matter.
Instead of taking a decision, the commission chose to defer the issue, stating that determining caste nomenclature in government records does not fall within its jurisdiction.
According to sources, the commission is preparing to mention in its report to the government that neither its guidelines nor its rulebook grant it the authority to decide or standardise caste names.
The final decision on whether “Bhumihar” or “Bhumihar Brahmin” will be used in official records will now rest with the state government.
