Odisha govt approves 11.25% reservation for SEBC in state higher education

The Odisha cabinet approved an 11.25% reservation for socially and economically backward classes (SEBC) in higher education institutions on May 14.

This move extends quota benefits beyond government jobs but excludes admissions to medical and engineering colleges.

The meeting was led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Majhi said that the new reservation policy, which will be implemented from the current academic year, applies to admissions in government universities, government-aided institutions, and various other higher education establishments across the state.

The policy includes a wide range of academic programs such as undergraduate, postgraduate, teacher training, and law courses administered by the departments of school and mass education, higher education, culture, and sports.

“...Previous governments failed to ensure such a move, depriving the backward classes of getting social justice,” Majhi said.

This decision follows the government’s recent approval for nationwide caste enumeration and comes just days before Majhi completes his first year as chief minister.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised the Odisha government’s step as “historic.”