Bhubaneswar: In a major decision to woo the OBCs, the State Government today decided to provide 11.25% reservation in admission for SEBC students in the higher education sector.
The State Cabinet has decided to provide 11.25% reservation to students belonging to socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) in State Public Universities, State Government and Aided Higher Secondary and Higher Education institutions starting from the academic year 2025-26, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said.
This initiative ensures uniform implementation of reservation in admission for students belonging to ST (22.5%), SC (16.25%), SEВС (11.25%), PwD (5%) & ex-service man (1%) reservations in all State public universities, State Government and aided Higher Secondary and Higher Education institutions under the School & Mass Education Department (for higher secondary schools, teacher training & vocational courses), Higher Education Department (UG, PG, Teacher Education, LLB, Integrated Law Courses), Odia Language and Literature & Culture Department (Bachelor in Performing Arts Course) and Sports & Youth Services Departments (B P Ed / MP Ed courses) of the State Government, he said.
In line with NEP 2020, the move aims to promote access, equity, and inclusion, increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio, and enhance opportunities for marginalized and disadvantaged communities in Odisha, the Chief Minister said.
The previous government had deprived the SEBC students of their constitutional rights, he said, adding, “We have provided them their rights when the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken steps for caste census.”
He further said that the decision was aligned with PM Modi’s vision for “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas”.
At present, the State Government is providing 11.25 percent reservation for the SEBC in government jobs. However, there is no reservation for the OBC students in education.
Earlier in the day, a Congress delegation led by OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das had submitted a memorandum to the Government demanding proper reservation for the SC, ST and OBC people in the education sector.