Odisha Approves SEBC Quota in Educational Institutions
Move to benefit 231 communities across the state for the first time
In a major decision aimed at promoting social justice, the Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved 11.25% reservation in educational institutions for the state’s socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC). This is the first time Odisha has introduced an education quota for backward classes.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the decision following the cabinet meeting, calling it a landmark step to ensure constitutional rights for backward communities. The move is expected to benefit 231 SEBC groups in the state.
The chief minister said the decision aligns with the Union government’s commitment to social justice and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.” He also highlighted that while SEBCs make up around 54% of Odisha’s population, they previously had no quota in education, and only 11.25% reservation in public employment.
The new reservation will be applicable to admissions in state public universities, government and aided higher secondary schools, and institutions offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Officials confirmed that the decision would be implemented uniformly across the higher education system in Odisha.
As per the new reservation policy, students from Scheduled Tribes (ST) will have 22.5% reservation, Scheduled Castes (SC) will have 16.25%, SEBCs will get 11.25%, while 5% is reserved for persons with disabilities and 1% for children of ex-servicemen.
The chief minister also referred to earlier efforts made by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in 2019 and 2020, who had urged the state to provide SEBCs with educational reservation. Majhi said that despite repeated proposals, the previous BJD government failed to implement the policy, depriving backward classes of their educational rights.
He further said the new policy is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to increase access, equity, and the gross enrolment ratio in higher education for marginalized communities in Odisha.
The announcement comes at a time when both opposition parties, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress, have been demanding more reservation for backward classes. With this step, the BJP-led state government has taken the lead in addressing the long-pending issue.
This policy change marks a significant shift in Odisha’s approach to inclusive education and is likely to open new opportunities for thousands of students from disadvantaged backgrounds across the state.
