Bhubaneswar, December 23: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sought the personal intervention of Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar to include 108 Socially and Economically Backward Classes communities of Odisha in the Central OBC list.

In a letter to Kumar on Monday, Pradhan said, "I would like to draw your kind attention to a matter of great significance concerning the parity between the state and central lists of Other Backward Classes in Odisha."

Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, said “Several communities that are already recognized in the State List of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) by the Government of Odisha are yet to be included in the Central OBC list.”

Pradhan pointed out that this discrepancy has resulted in administrative ambiguities and interpretational challenges for members of these communities, particularly when they migrate across states or seek access to Central Government services, educational institutions, or employment opportunities.

“Odisha has a substantial SEBC population, and their exclusion from the Central OBC list deprives them of uniform access to reservation benefits and welfare schemes available at the national level,” said Pradhan.

“Inclusion of these communities in the Central OBC list is therefore necessary to ensure parity between the State and Central frameworks, while also advancing the cause of social justice and inclusive development,” said Pradhan.

Pradhan also attached a detailed list of 108 SEBC communities proposed for inclusion for consideration of Union Minister Kumar and necessary action.

“Given the importance of the matter, I request your personal intervention to look into the matter for inclusion of these communities in the Central OBC list which would ensure uniform access to benefits of reservations and welfare schemes. Thus, promoting educational and economic advancement among historically disadvantaged groups,” requested Pradhan.