In a significant move aimed at promoting social justice and inclusive education, the Odisha government has announced an increase in reservation quotas for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs). Alongside this, the state has introduced reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in medical and technical education. The decision is expected to expand access to higher education for historically underrepresented communities.
According to officials, the revised policy seeks to address long-standing disparities in educational opportunities and ensure fair representation across professional courses such as engineering and medicine. The inclusion of OBC reservation marks a notable policy shift, as it opens doors for a larger section of students who previously had limited access to these competitive fields.
The government stated that the move reflects its commitment to equitable development and empowerment of marginalized groups. By strengthening reservation policies, Odisha aims to create a more balanced and inclusive academic environment, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to pursue professional careers and contribute meaningfully to society.