In a crucial clarification regarding caste-based reservations in higher education, Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has stated that the total reservation limit will not exceed 50%.
The Odisha Cabinet had recently decided to provide 11.25% reservation for Socially and Educationally Backwards Classes (SEBC) in higher education institutions, raising concerns over whether this move violated Supreme Court guidelines.
Responding to these concerns, Minister Suraj emphasised that caste-based reservations must remain within the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court. He further explained that Odisha already provides 38.75% reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), leaving room for SEBC reservations within the permitted limit.
Apart from caste-based reservations, Odisha also offers 6% reservation for persons with disabilities and 1% for ex-servicemen, which do not fall under caste-based quotas. Therefore, the minister reiterated that the state government’s policy aligns with Supreme Court guidelines and does not violate any legal constraints.
