Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan writes Odisha CM for immediate reconstitution of OSCBC
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written a letter to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for immediate reconstitution of Odisha State Backward Classes Commission (OSCBC).
Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written a letter to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for immediate reconstitution of Odisha State Backward Classes Commission (OSCBC).
It is to be noted here that the OSCBC has remained non-functional since the expiry of its term on January 3, 2024.
In his letter, Pradhan emphasized that reconstituting the commission would be a crucial step towards ensuring social justice and fulfilling the long-pending aspirations of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) in the state.
He pointed out that the OSCBC has been defunct for nearly a year due to the non-appointment of new members, depriving approximately 216 SEBC communities in Odisha of a statutory and constitutional platform to raise their concerns.
As a result, eligible beneficiaries are facing serious difficulties in accessing education, employment opportunities, and welfare schemes.
Highlighting the statutory mandate of the commission, Pradhan noted that the OSCBC plays a vital role in:
- Inclusion of new castes in the SEBC list
- Redressal of grievances and complaints
- Advising the government on policies concerning backward classes
Further, under the Odisha State Backward Classes Commission (Amendment) Act, 2020, the commission is also entrusted with conducting surveys on the social and educational status of backward classes, making its functioning all the more essential.
Stressing the urgency of the matter, Pradhan requested the Chief Minister to personally intervene and ensure the prompt reconstitution of the OSCBC in the larger interest of Odisha’s backward classes and the principles of equity and inclusive governance.
