Bhubaneswar, 15 May (H.S.): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has extended his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for the Odisha State Cabinet’s landmark decision to provide 11.25% reservation in admissions to higher and higher secondary education for students belonging to the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC).
In a post shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and through an official press release, Shri Pradhan highlighted that over 52% of Odisha’s population belongs to the SEBC category. He termed the cabinet’s approval as a historic and progressive step that will strengthen social justice, enhance educational inclusion, and empower SEBC communities across the state.
“The decision aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy and will significantly boost educational access for socially and economically disadvantaged sections. It reflects the commitment to building a developed Odisha and a developed India,” Pradhan stated.
The reservation will be implemented starting from the 2025–26 academic session in all state government universities and government-aided institutions. It will cover undergraduate, postgraduate, teacher education, and law courses under the Higher Education Department, as well as higher secondary, vocational, and teacher training programs under the School and Mass Education Department. Additionally, the policy will apply to performing arts programs under the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department and to physical education courses under the Sports and Youth Services Department.
Pradhan emphasized that this initiative is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,” reiterating the government’s unwavering focus on ensuring equitable opportunities and social justice for all.
He also noted that this move comes after years of unheeded demands for SEBC reservation by previous administrations. Shri Pradhan pointed out that he had written to the Chief Minister of Odisha multiple times—on July 25, 2019; January 15, 2020; and December 31, 2020—urging action on the issue. Most recently, he wrote to the current Chief Minister on April 17, 2025, advocating for reservation in both education and employment for SEBC and OBC communities.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
