Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has welcomed the Odisha Cabinet’s decision to enhance reservation in admissions to medical, engineering, agriculture, and allied technical courses in the state.
He said the Cabinet approved an increase in reservation for Scheduled Tribes from 12% to 22.50% and for Scheduled Castes from 8% to 16.25%. He added that the government has, for the first time, introduced a 11.25% reservation for students belonging to Socially and Educationally Backward Classes.
In a post on X, Pradhan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for approving the measure. The minister stated that social justice remains a core principle of governance and that ensuring equal opportunities, rights, and a dignified life for all sections of society remains a priority.
He further said the decision aligns with the PM’s vision of inclusive development and reflects the commitment to the principle of Antyodaya, which focuses on uplifting the last person in society. He added that the move marks a historic step towards expanding access to higher education for marginalised communities.
ALSO READ: Odisha Cabinet approves new reservation policy for higher education
Pradhan stated that the revised reservation policy will help empower talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds and support those from economically weaker families in pursuing medical and engineering education in the state.
He also thanked Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister K. V. Singh Deo, ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Minister Nityananda Gond, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, and Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain for supporting the initiative.
The decision is expected to expand access to professional education and strengthen opportunities for students from underrepresented sections across Odisha.
