Context
Debate over reservation cap: 84% of OBCs, SCs, and STs according to a Bihar caste census. urges reconsidering the restrictions on reservations based on caste.

Discussing the Reservation Cap of 50%  
·         Historical Perspective: Given that some states have already surpassed the 50% reservation cap, it is thought to be arbitrary.
·         Legal Evolution: From the M.R. Balaji case, it became well-known as nearly a basic right in the Mandal (Indra Sawhney) case.
·         Reconsideration Is Necessary: In order to challenge the cap, a state like Bihar must take the initiative and perhaps request reconsideration.

Difficulties in Identifying OBCs  
·         OBCs as an Administrative Category: Because OBCs comprise a variety of castes, subcategorization is required to guarantee fair representation.
·         Conceptual Ambiguity: Determining OBCs is difficult and necessitates reconsidering social and educational backwardness, in contrast to SCs and STs.
·         Sub-categorization may have political ramifications and give rise to discussions about the admission of specific castes.

The Caste Census and Its Consequences  
·         Reducing Deprivation based on Group: Rahul Gandhi's proposal for a survey based on caste seeks to provide collective representation for groups in comparable circumstances.
·         Criticism and Reality: Although there could be negative effects from counting castes, policy decisions are informed by these realities and policies are acknowledged.
·         Mandal 2.0 and Caste Mobilisation: The current state of affairs could affect the BJP's position and call for more widespread anti-caste mobilisation in order to achieve meaningful representation.

LTX Mains Question: 
Q. "Equitable representation will be ensured by sub-categorizing the OBC quota and surpassing the 50% reservation cap." Examine how policy initiatives for social inclusion can be informed by a survey based on caste.