The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar announced on July 8 that the 35 per cent quota in government jobs for women, instituted in 2016, would be applicable only to natives of Bihar—those domiciled there. To be eligible for this status, a person should have been a resident of the state for at least three years, own a house or land, or, in the case of women, most relevant here, be married to a resident. Possession of a voter ID card is desirable. Alongside, the government, helmed by Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal (United), also announced the formation of a commission to help generate jobs for the youth. Before examining the substantive issues, a word about the timing. First, the decision was announced the........

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