Union Minister Pushes for 27% OBC Quota in Odisha Education System

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale announced his intention to urge Odisha's Chief Minister for a 27% reservation for OBC students in higher education. Addressing reporters, he highlighted the existing reservation in other states and emphasized the need for a caste-based census. Athawale also expressed concern over rising atrocities against SC/ST communities in Odisha.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale revealed on Wednesday his intention to urge Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to allocate a 27% reservation for OBC students in higher education. Athawale, serving as the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, noted that many states already offer this reservation.

Furthermore, Athawale underlined his party's push for a caste-based census to understand the demographic distribution of various communities. Speaking to reporters, he said, ''I have called for a caste-based census in Parliament and await the government's response.''

The Union Minister also expressed alarm over increasing atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Odisha, citing rising cases over the past three years. During his visit, he plans to discuss this issue with the state's Governor and Chief Minister.

(With inputs from agencies.)