Bhubaneswar, May 14 (UNI) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has hailed the Odisha State Cabinet’s decision to reserve 11.25 percent of seats in higher and higher secondary education for students belonging to the Socio-Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) as a historic and empowering step.

The Odisha cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday approved 11.25 percent reservation for SEBC students in higher and higher secondary education.

In a press release,on Wednesday, Pradhan stated that the decision would benefit the SEBC community, which makes up 52 percent of Odisha’s population.

He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for promoting social justice in alignment with the National Education Policy.

“This move will enhance the value of education among backward communities and contribute to building a developed Odisha and a stronger India,” he said.

The new reservation policy will take effect from the academic year 2025–26 and will be implemented across government universities and government-aided higher educational institutions in the state.

Pradhan further elaborated that the reservation will apply to undergraduate, postgraduate, teacher education, and law courses under the Higher Education Department; higher secondary and professional courses under the School and Mass Education Department; undergraduate courses in performing arts under the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department; and BPED and MPED courses under the Sports and Youth Services Department. He described it as a commendable and inclusive step.

He also emphasized that the Modi government has consistently ensured reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in education and employment. However, he criticized the previous state administration for neglecting constitutional provisions for SEBCs despite repeated appeals.

Pradhan highlighted that he had written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on April 17, requesting the implementation of reservation for SEBCs and OBCs in education and employment. He also noted that he had sent three prior letters to the former Chief Minister—on December 31, 2020; January 15, 2020; and July 25, 2019—urging similar action, but received no response.

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