Odisha to grant 11.25% Education Reservation for Backward Classes

In a ruling that can alter the lives of thousands, the Odisha government has approved an 11.25% reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) in institutions of higher education. This long-awaited step, approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's cabinet, finally addresses a glaring lacuna—although these groups account for 54% of Odisha's population, they've had no education quotas until now.

Governments neglected bright children of backward society for decades. Now, state colleges and universities will reserve seats in:

Higher secondary classes

Undergraduate programs

Postgraduate classes

The quota is according to existing reservations:

Nominally STs (22.5%)

SCs (16.25%)

Physically handicapped (5%)

Ex-servicemen (1%)

"This is not a policy decision, it's restoration of constitutional freedoms," said CM Majhi, juxtaposing his government's initiative with the previous inactivity of BJD. The initiative is evocative of the National Education Policy 2020's push for inclusivity and the nation's central government's "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" vision.

This had been sought by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan since 2019. "Education can be the greatest equalizer," he stated, "but if only everyone gets an equal chance."

231 SEBC groups receive access to reserved seats

Target is to implement it immediately—benefits start this academic year

Levelling the playing field for students who've faced systemic disadvantages

Even though there were 11.25% job reservations for SEBCs in Odisha, academic deprivation remained a recurring hurdle. The policy bridges the gap, giving the marginalized youth a firmer ground to compete.

As classrooms become more representative, the real test will be in implementation—preventing quality from suffering and ensuring reserved seats actually reach those who need them the most. But for today, Odisha takes a bold leap towards re-writing its education future. 

"Through unlocking education, we unlock potential." — CM Majhi