Bhubaneswar, March 25: The Utkal Yadav Mahasabha has put forth a demand for the allocation of 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in state government jobs and educational institutions. This request was made during a recent meeting of the Mahasabha's working committee, held at Cuttack.
The Utkal Yadav Mahasabha, led by President Ashirbad Behera, called for the state government to implement reservation policy, emphasizing the need for 27% reservation for OBCs in both government employment and educational admissions. The Mahasabha also strongly advocated for a caste census as part of the upcoming national census, to ensure accurate representation of the OBC community. Additionally, the organization has demanded the revival of policies that specifically promote the welfare of OBCs, along with the establishment of a special Ahir Regiment in the Indian Army to honor the contributions of the community.
At present, the Odisha government offers only 11.25% reservation to Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) in government jobs. However, this allocation does not extend to OBC students in professional fields such as engineering, medicine, and other technical courses. The Mahasabha has raised concerns that this limited reservation fails to provide adequate opportunities for OBC individuals in these vital sectors.
Ashirbad Behera, the President of Utkal Yadav Mahasabha, pointed out that the caste-based data would provide a clearer picture of the socio-economic status of various communities, thereby aiding in the fair allocation of resources and opportunities.
Engineer Pradeep Behera, the organizational Secretary of the Mahasabha, highlighted the organization's ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand its initiatives for the betterment of the OBC community. He emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities for the community, not only through reservations but also through educational and social reforms.
The meeting was attended by various prominent figures, including Secretary General of Mahasabha Laxman Bag, BJP MLA from Kantabanjhi, who was felicitated by the Mahasabha for his support. Other notable attendees included Lambodar Nial, the Vice-President of the Mahasabha and a leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Former MLA Dharmanada Behera, Former District Judge Jachindra Behera, Retired IAS officer Ranjan Das ( Former RDC- Cuttack), and several other distinguished personalities who shared their views on the overall development of the community.
The gathering underscored the importance of collective efforts in ensuring the upliftment of the OBC community and promoting policies that would guarantee social and economic equity. The Mahasabha has called for continued dialogue with the state government and political leaders to ensure the timely implementation of its demands for the welfare of OBCs in Odisha.
