The results of the caste survey in Bihar showed that Hindus comprise 81.99% of the state's population, followed by Muslims with 17.70%.
Christians, Sikhs, Jains and those following other religions have a minuscule presence, together making up for less than 1% of the total population.
The data has revealed that OBCs and EBCs form the largest chunk, comprising 63% of the population, while people belonging to the general or unreserved category make up 15.52%.
According to the data released here by Development Commissioner Vivek Singh, the state’s total population stood at a little over 13.07 crore, out of which the Extremely Backward Classes (36 per cent) were the largest social segment followed by the Other Backward Classes at 27.13 per cent.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar came out with a statement lauding the teams of government officials who undertook the gigantic exercise.
He also said, "A meeting will soon be convened of all the nine political parties with an electoral presence in the state legislature and the facts and figures will be shared with them." RJD president Lalu Prasad, who is Kumar’s ally as well as the father of his deputy Tejashwi Yadav, also issued a statement, declaring that the exercise will set the tone for “a nationwide caste census which will be undertaken when we form the next government at the Centre”.
Also watch: Bihar govt releases caste survey results: OBCs, EBCs comprise 63%
(With PTI inputs)