- Bhubaneswar, May 14: In a major step towards social inclusion, the Odisha Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Wednesday approved six key proposals, notably the introduction of 11.25% reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) in state-run educational institutions and universities.
Announcing the decision at Lok Seva Bhawan, Chief Minister Majhi stated, “Our government has approved 11.25% reservation for SEBC students in admissions to educational institutions across the state, effective from the academic year 2025-26.”
Majhi also took a jab at the previous BJD-led government, accusing it of neglecting the constitutional rights of the OBC community. “The long delay in implementing OBC reservation was unjustified,” he remarked.
Among other major decisions, the Cabinet approved the allocation of 40 acres of land, free of cost by the Revenue Department to Dharani Dhar University in Keonjhar.
The ruling BJP has hailed the move, calling it a significant step toward inclusive development. However, criticism came from Odisha OBC Mancha President Sankar Patra, who said, “The state government has extended reservation to SEBCs, not OBCs. There is still no reservation for the OBC category in Odisha.”
