Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has sought the inclusion of 108 Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) communities from Odisha in the Central list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), highlighting the need for parity between State and Central reservation frameworks.
In a letter addressed to Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, Pradhan pointed out that several communities already recognised under Odisha’s State SEBC list are yet to find a place in the Central OBC list. He said the absence of these communities from the Central list has led to administrative confusion and posed challenges for beneficiaries, particularly when they migrate to other states or apply for admissions, employment, or welfare schemes under the Central government.
Emphasising that Odisha has a significant SEBC population, the Union Minister stated that exclusion from the Central OBC list deprives eligible communities of uniform access to reservation benefits and centrally sponsored welfare measures.
Pradhan informed that a detailed list of 108 SEBC communities proposed for inclusion has been submitted to the Ministry for consideration. He urged the Social Justice Ministry to examine the matter expeditiously and take necessary steps to ensure these communities are extended the benefits available under the Central OBC category.
Calling for personal intervention, Pradhan said the move would not only address long-standing grievances but also help promote educational and economic advancement among historically disadvantaged sections of society in Odisha.
He added that inclusion in the Central OBC list would enable affected communities to access reservation benefits in central educational institutions, government employment, and national welfare schemes on par with other recognised OBC groups.
