Under Bihar project,students to mention caste in admit cards

still out of schools a comprehensive class and preferably subject-wise data can help the government in deciding the focus areas of particular castes,said a senior BEP official.

The official said as caste was the basis of reservation,such a data would be important in formulating and extending special education programmes to educationally weaker section.

BEP has directed district superintendents of education (DSEs) of all 38 districts to issue circulars to this effect.

Muzaffarpur DSE A K Kuwar and Primary Informal Education Coordinator Shankar Kumar have been first to issue the circular on March 11. Kuwar said tabulation of students marks percentage would be easy with students mentioning their castes. He said no affront was meant to any section by asking for caste mention. Other districts are likely to follow suit soon.

The circular says it will also be essential for invigilators to ensure that students write their castes on answer sheets. BEP officials in Patna said it was the job of teachers and school principals to ensure students mentioned their castes.

The order is in consonance with Chief Minister Nitish Kumars efforts to further concentrate on OBC,SCs and EBCs.