After introducing reservations for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) in higher education, the Odisha government is now considering extending the quota to include technical education courses.
On Friday, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain informed the media that the government is in the process of reviewing the proposal. He assured that all relevant factors are being thoroughly evaluated and a formal decision will be made soon.
This move comes on the heels of the Odisha Cabinet’s recent approval of a 11.25% reservation for SEBC students in government-run higher education institutions, set to take effect from the 2025–26 academic year. The reservation will apply to admissions in public universities, state-run colleges, and aided higher secondary and higher education institutions across various departments, including School and Mass Education, Higher Education, Odia Language, Literature and Culture, and Sports and Youth Services.
Under the revised policy, students from Scheduled Tribes (ST) will receive 22.5% reservation, Scheduled Castes (SC) will get 16.25%, SEBC students will have 11.25%, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) will be allotted 5%, and Ex-Servicemen will be given a 1% reservation. These quotas will apply to a variety of courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, teacher education, law, integrated law, teacher training, vocational studies, B.P.Ed, and M.P.Ed.
The proposal to extend this reservation to technical education is being seen as a significant move toward improving access and equity for SEBC communities in Odisha, further enhancing opportunities for these students in the state’s educational system.
