By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief
Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging the immediate reconstitution of the Odisha State Backwards Classes Commission (OSCBC), which has remained non-functional since the expiry of its term earlier this year.
In his letter, Pradhan highlighted that the term of the OSCBC ended on January 3, 2024, and no new members have been appointed so far, rendering the Commission inactive. He stressed that the absence of a functional Commission has severely affected people belonging to the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) in accessing benefits related to education, employment, and welfare schemes.
The Union Minister noted that around 216 SEBC communities, forming a significant portion of Odisha’s population, are currently deprived of a constitutional platform to raise grievances and seek redressal. He described the reconstitution of the Commission as a crucial step towards ensuring social justice and fulfilling the aspirations of backward classes in the state.
Pradhan further pointed out that the OSCBC plays a vital role in recommending the inclusion of new communities in the SEBC list, addressing complaints, and providing policy advice to the government. Under the Odisha State Backward Classes Commission (Amendment) Act, 2020, the Commission is also mandated to conduct surveys on the social and educational status of backward classes, making its early revival essential.
Appealing to the Chief Minister for personal intervention, Pradhan urged swift action in the interest of backward class communities and the broader goal of inclusive governance.
Political Reactions Intensify
Following Pradhan’s letter, political reactions have intensified in the state. Opposition parties have questioned why backward classes have not received justice despite the presence of a “double-engine government” at the Centre and in Odisha. They have demanded concrete action rather than symbolic correspondence.
The ruling BJP, however, stated that the state government is actively considering the matter. Party leaders reiterated that the BJP has always stood with backward classes and accused the opposition of indulging in “political posturing” instead of constructive engagement.
As political debate continues, attention now remains on whether the Odisha government will move swiftly to reconstitute the Commission and restore its constitutional role in safeguarding the interests of backward class communities.
