Cabinet nod to 11.25% SEBC quota for admissions in higher edu

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move, the state cabinet, led by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Wednesday approved 11.25% reservation for backward classes in higher educational institutions, extending the existing quota benefits beyond govt jobs.

Speaking to media persons after the cabinet meeting, Majhi said the new policy, set to take effect from the current academic year, will be implemented for admissions across govt universities, govt-aided institutions and various higher educational establishments throughout the state. The policy covers a wide range of academic programmes, including undergraduate, postgraduate, teacher training and law courses under the administrative control of school and mass education, higher education, culture and sports departments. These, however, exclude admission in medical and engineering colleges.

"This will play a key role in ensuring social justice for socially and economically weaker sections. Previous govts failed to ensure such a move, depriving the backward classes of getting social justice," Majhi said. "In line with the National Education Policy 2020, the move aims to promote access, equity and inclusion, increase the gross enrolment ratio, and enhance opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged communities in Odisha," he said. "Existing quotas for scheduled castes (16.25%), scheduled tribes (22.5%), persons with disabilities (5%), and ex-servicemen (1%) will remain unchanged," the CM said.

The decision comes just days after the Centre gave its approval for nationwide caste enumeration and days before Majhi completes one year as CM. Backward classes, who constitute more than 50% of Odisha's population, are a key segment of voters, with all political parties trying to woo them.

Opposition BJD and Congress termed the quota move a "hoax", pointing out that it doesn't include medical and engineering institutions. "Without admission in MBBS and engineering colleges, the quota would serve no purpose as getting seats in general education institutions is not an issue," said senior BJD MLA and former minister Arun Kumar Sahoo. Former Union minister and Congress member Srikant Kumar Jena, who wrote a letter to the CM on Tuesday seeking 27% reservation for backward classes, echoed similar views. "The govt has tried to befool the backward classes. We demand they must implement a quota for backward class students in medical and engineering colleges," he said.

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, however, lauded the Odisha govt's move as "historic". "It will empower SEBC communities and promote social justice. In line with the National Education Policy, this step will enhance educational opportunities for backward classes and contribute to the development of Odisha and India," Pradhan wrote on X.

Stating that despite repeated demands for reservation for the social and economic development of SEBC communities, previous govts did not provide the constitutional protection, Pradhan said historic decisions like caste-based census by the Union Cabinet and the move by Odisha govt are commendable.