BJP's OBC Morcha Applauds Odisha CM for SEBC Reservation Amid Opposition Demands for Increased Quota

The Odisha Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, has announced a 11.25% reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) in higher education. This decision was praised by the BJP's OBC Morcha and various social organisations. However, opposition parties, BJD and Congress, are demanding a 27% reservation for SEBCs and plan to protest.

Opposition's Demand for Increased Quota

The BJD plans to stage a protest on May 21, advocating for a 27% reservation for SEBC students. Congress has also announced its intention to gherao the Chief Minister's residence on May 22 and 23 with the same demand. In Odisha, SEBCs currently have an 11.25% job reservation but lacked similar provisions in education until now.

Government's Decision and Reactions

On May 14, the state cabinet decided to implement an 11.25% quota for SEBC students in higher education. Majhi described this as a landmark decision, being the first of its kind in the state. Hundreds of BJP's OBC Morcha members and caste-based organisations expressed their gratitude to Majhi for this initiative.

Senior BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo criticised the reservation as deceptive, arguing it only applies to vacant seats and not mainstream or professional courses. Sahoo stated that calling it historic is misleading. The BJD plans a peaceful demonstration near Governor House Square on May 21 and will submit a memorandum to the governor.

Congress leader Bhakta Charan Das had earlier declared that party workers would gherao the Chief Minister's residence on May 22 and 23. They are demanding a 27% reservation for SEBCs in educational institutions across Odisha.

The ongoing debate highlights differing views on how best to support SEBC students in Odisha's education system. While some see the new quota as progress, others believe more extensive measures are necessary to ensure equitable access to education for all SEBC students.

With inputs from PTI