Patna/IBNS: In a blow to the Bihar government, the Patna High Court on Thursday scrapped the state's decision to hike the quota in jobs and education for several categories to 65 percent, media reports said.

The quota was increased by the government for people belonging to the Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes from 50 percent to 65 percent.

A division bench led by Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran cited the amendment as a violation of the Constitution and the right to equality.

The amendment was done by the state government in 2023 based on the caste survey conducted in the state.

The new quota regime would have provided reservations for 43 percent of Other Backward Classes and Extremely Backward Classes, 20 percent of SCs and 2 percent for STs.

The gazette notification which was issued by the government had stated as quoted by Hindustan Times, "On analysis of data collected during ‘Caste based Survey 2022-23, it is apparent that large section of backward classes, schedule caste and scheduled tribe need to be promoted for them to catch up to satisfy cherished aim in the Constitution of equality in opportunity and status."