Bhubaneswar, January 16: The Odisha OBC Forum has reiterated its demand for 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in state government jobs and educational institutions. The appeal was made during a meeting with Chairman Ganesh Singh of the Parliamentary Committee on OBC Welfare held in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

The forum, led by Chairman Rabi Behera, Secretary Narayan Dalwa, Tankadhar Das, and Gyan Ranjan Behera, presented a six-point petition highlighting its key demands. These include the implementation of 27% reservation in government jobs and educational admissions, conducting a caste census, and revitalizing policies supporting the welfare of OBCs.

Currently, Odisha provides only 11.25% reservation to Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) in government jobs, with no provision for OBC students in professional fields such as engineering and medicine.

The forum also demanded the restoration of 27% OBC reservation in the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, a policy that was implemented before 1997 but is no longer being implemented.

Additionally, he emphasized on revival and strengthening of Odisha OBC Finance Corporation, which has been defunct for over 15 years. The forum emphasized that a functioning finance corporation can provide financial assistance to the unemployed OBC youth.

In its memorandum, the forum emphasized the need for a caste census as part of the upcoming national census. “The state government should prioritize caste census and ensure implementation of 27 per cent reservation in both government jobs and educational institutions,” said Rabi Bahra.

He also criticized the state government for ignoring the recommendations of the Mandal Commission, which came into effect across the country on August 7, 1990.

Narayan Dalwa added, “The previous BJD government conducted the OBC caste census through the OBC Commission. We request the present government to publish and implement the results.”



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