Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Odisha CM to Reconstitute Backward Classes Commission for SEBC Communities

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, pressing for the immediate reconstitution of the Odisha State Commission for Backwards Classes (OSCBC).

The Commission has remained defunct since its tenure ended on January 3, 2024, leaving no appointed members to represent the interests of the state’s 216 Socially and Educationally Backwards Class (SEBC) communities.

Pradhan emphasised that these communities continue to face challenges in accessing equitable opportunities in education, employment, and welfare schemes.

Without a functioning Commission, they lack statutory representation to voice concerns and seek redressal.

The OSCBC plays a pivotal role in examining requests for inclusion in the SEBC list, addressing grievances, and advising the government on policy matters.

Following the Odisha State Commission for Backward Classes (Amendment) Act, 2020, the body also gained responsibility for conducting surveys on the social and educational conditions of backward class communities.

Calling for urgent action, Pradhan stated that reconstituting the Commission would uphold the spirit of social justice and fulfil the aspirations of Odisha’s backward communities.