Odisha Assembly Debates Reservation Cap Amid Controversy

In Odisha, the Congress and BJD parties criticized the BJP for altering its stance on reservations for tribals, dalits, and OBCs. They urged raising the reservation cap above 50%. The current quotas for STs, SCs, and OBCs are 22.50%, 16.25%, and 11.25% respectively. The discussion highlighted significant discrepancies between these quotas and population proportions.

In an intense legislative session, the Odisha Assembly saw Congress and BJD parties accusing the BJP of neglecting tribals, dalits, and OBCs after gaining power. Both opposition parties called for a resolution to raise the reservation cap beyond the current 50% limit.

The discussion underscored the disproportionate reservation quotas for Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in technical and medical institutions. Currently, STs have a 22.50% quota, SCs 16.25%, and OBCs 11.25% in government jobs, which critics argue falls short of the population proportions.

Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam initiated the debate, pointing to Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra as examples of states that have adapted their reservation policies. BJD and Congress walked out in protest after the reply from Minister Nityananda Gond, demanding postponement of MBBS admissions until the quota ratios are revised.

(With inputs from agencies.)