Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to National Commission for Backwards Classes (NCBC) Chairperson Hansraj Ahir requesting the inclusion of several communities from Odisha’s SEBC list into the Central OBC list.
In his letter, Pradhan highlighted that many communities notified under the Odisha SEBC list, including Khandayat, Paika, Chasa Paika, Alia, Paikali, Kalingi Sudra Khandayat, Mahanayak Sudra, Odia-Khandayat, Bayalisha, Odia, Odia Paika, Odia Paiko, Haladia Teli, and Rajashree Balasi/Balasi, are still not recognised in the Central OBC list.
Pradhan stated that because these communities are not listed under the Central OBC category, a large section of Odisha’s population remains deprived of reservation benefits in Central Government jobs, educational institutions, professional courses, and various welfare schemes implemented by the Union Government.
The Union Minister argued that inclusion of these communities in the Central OBC list would enable significant social and economic upliftment, ensuring fair access to opportunities and constitutional rights. He noted that this step would play a crucial role in ensuring justice to a large and historically important social group in Odisha.
Pradhan emphasised that bringing these communities into the national OBC framework is essential for their overall development and aligns with the broader goal of inclusive growth.
