Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, has urged Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to raise the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in higher education from 11.25% to 27%. This request aligns with the national average and aims to promote equality and more excellent educational opportunities for OBC students in the state.
Athawale highlighted the need for better representation of OBCs in higher education, arguing that the current reservation quota in Odisha falls significantly below the national standard. "An increase in reservation would help bridge the gap and ensure fair opportunities for OBC students," Athawale stated, emphasising that the move is essential to achieving social justice and educational equity.
The proposal, if implemented, is expected to benefit thousands of OBC students across Odisha, providing them with improved access to higher education, scholarships, and career advancement. Supporters of the move, including various social justice advocates and OBC organisations, have lauded Athawale's appeal, calling it a necessary step toward addressing historical inequalities and improving the socio-economic status of backward communities.
As per TOI reports, Odisha's OBC reservation policy is among the lowest in India, with many believing that the state must follow the national average to reflect the broader commitment to social inclusion. Athawale’s call for change is part of a wider push to ensure marginalised communities receive adequate representation in the country's educational system.
The Odisha government is yet to respond to the minister's request. However, the issue has sparked discussions among political leaders, educationists, and civil society organisations in the state, with many urging the government to take prompt action to address the underrepresentation of OBC students in higher education.
As the debate over OBC reservation intensifies, the outcome could set a precedent for other states with similar disparities in educational quotas, furthering the national dialogue on affirmative action and social justice policies.