Special Category Status was granted by the National Development Council (NDC) based on criteria like hilly terrain, low population density, strategic location, economic and infrastructural backwardness, and non-viable state finances. Bihar's request for this status was reviewed by an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) in 2012, which found that Bihar did not meet the NDC criteria.

Special status, introduced by the Fifth Finance Commission in 1969, ensures more central support for backward states. States like Jammu and Kashmir, Northeastern states, and hill states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have received this status. JDU has long demanded special status for Bihar, pushing for it in alliance discussions with the BJP and during all-party meetings before budget sessions.

JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha reiterated the party's commitment to this demand, suggesting a special package for Bihar if the status cannot be granted. The RJD, Bihar's main opposition, criticized the JDU for failing to secure the status, accusing them of "drama politics."

A government source explained that the Special Category Status issue originated in the National Development Council meeting in 1969, following the D R Gadgil Committee's formula for allocating Central Assistance, which prioritized states like Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Nagaland. This concept was introduced to address the historical disadvantages of certain regions.

Special Category Status was granted by the National Development Council (NDC) based on criteria like hilly terrain, low population density, strategic location, economic and infrastructural backwardness, and non-viable state finances. Bihar's request for this status was reviewed by an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) in 2012, which found that Bihar did not meet the NDC criteria.

Special status, introduced by the Fifth Finance Commission in 1969, ensures more central support for backward states. States like Jammu and Kashmir, Northeastern states, and hill states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have received this status. JDU has long demanded special status for Bihar, pushing for it in alliance discussions with the BJP and during all-party meetings before budget sessions.

JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha reiterated the party's commitment to this demand, suggesting a special package for Bihar if the status cannot be granted. The RJD, Bihar's main opposition, criticized the JDU for failing to secure the status, accusing them of "drama politics."

A government source explained that the Special Category Status issue originated in the National Development Council meeting in 1969, following the D R Gadgil Committee's formula for allocating Central Assistance, which prioritized states like Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Nagaland. This concept was introduced to address the historical disadvantages of certain regions.