Bihar’s Bhumihar Brahmin Issue: No Controversy in State Backward Classes Commission, Clarifies NBT

Patna, Bihar: A debate has surfaced in Bihar over whether the Bhumihar caste should be listed as Bhumihar or Bhumihar Brahmin in official records. Following the recent caste census where the community was recorded as Bhumihar, a section of the society expressed dissatisfaction. The state government has referred the matter to the State Backward Classes Commission (Savarn Aayog), but the commission maintains that policy decisions rest with the government.

Two Commission Meetings Held Without Resolution
Until now, the Savarn Commission has not taken a final decision on how to record the Bhumihar caste in official documents. Earlier, organizations representing the Bhumihar Brahmin community raised objections, asserting that the term Bhumihar Brahmin should be used to correctly reflect their heritage. According to them, Bhumihar Brahmins are those who are historically regarded as Ayachak Brahmins.

On 10 October 2025, the Bihar General Administration Department wrote to the commission seeking guidance on whether official records should use Bhumihar or Bhumihar Brahmin. Two meetings were held—on 21 November and 8 December—but neither produced a conclusive outcome. Amid rumors of disputes within the commission, NBT contacted its chairman Mahachandra Singh, who clarified that such reports are baseless.

Awaiting Third Meeting
If no consensus emerges in the upcoming third meeting, the matter will return to the Bihar government for a final decision. The commission had, following the General Administration Department’s letter, requested evidence from both supporters and opponents of the Bhumihar Brahmin designation.

Arguments For and Against Using ‘Bhumihar Brahmin’

Supporters of ‘Bhumihar Brahmin’	Opponents of ‘Bhumihar Brahmin’
The 1931 census listed the caste as Bhumihar Brahmin.	Bhumihars are primarily agriculturists, not priests.
Historical land records also mention ‘Bhumihar Brahmin’.	The sacred thread (Janeu) is worn at marriage, not in childhood.

What Could Happen in the Third Meeting
If the commission fails to reach a conclusion again, a vote may be taken. Mahachandra Singh told NBT that there is no dispute in the commission regarding Bhumihar Brahmin, contrary to circulating reports. Any discussion will be just that—a discussion, not a controversy. He further emphasized that the final decision rests with the Bihar government, as the commission’s role is primarily to formulate policies for backward and economically weaker upper-caste communities and present recommendations to the government.