Athawale to Request Odisha CM for 27% OBC Reservation in Higher Studies

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has announced his plan to write to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging him to implement a 27% reservation for OBC students in higher education. Athawale, who is the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, pointed out that many states in India already provide this reservation.

In addition, Athawale, who is also the president of the Republican Party of India (RPI), stressed the importance of a caste-based census to understand the population distribution of various communities. "I have raised the call for a caste-based census in Parliament as well. We are awaiting the government's response," he added.

Expressing concerns over the increasing number of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Odisha, the Union Minister cited statistics showing 3,003 reported cases in 2021, 3,704 in 2022, and 3,358 so far in 2023. "During my visit, I will discuss this issue with the Odisha Governor and Chief Minister," he said. Athawale emphasized that addressing these atrocities requires more than just enforcing laws; it necessitates cooperation from all stakeholders, including the state government, district administrations, NGOs, and political parties.

During his official visit to Odisha, Union Minister Athawale spent the first day reviewing the implementation of various welfare schemes. These include the Special Component Plan for Scheduled Castes, scholarships for SC/OBC students, the Atrocities Act for SC/ST, incentives for inter-caste married couples, hostels for SC/ST students, old age homes and pensions, and programs for the empowerment of persons with disabilities (PwDs).

Athawale expressed his intention to formally request the Chief Minister to address the issue if OBC students in Odisha are not receiving the benefits they are entitled to. He emphasized that several states across India already grant 27% reservation to OBC students, and he aims to ensure that welfare schemes are effectively reaching their intended beneficiaries through his visit.

In addition to reviewing scholarships for SC/OBC students and incentives for inter-caste married couples, Athawale's visit encompasses discussions on improving hostels for SC/ST students and enhancing old age homes and pensions. Programs aimed at empowering persons with disabilities (PwDs) are also under review during his visit.

Athawale's efforts underscore his commitment to social justice and empowerment. His call for a caste-based census aims to provide accurate data on community populations to better address their needs. His proactive approach to addressing social issues is reflected in his engagement with Odisha's leadership, highlighting his dedication to ensuring welfare schemes are implemented effectively.

Furthermore, Athawale's emphasis on cooperation among stakeholders aims to create a more inclusive and just society. His proactive stance on social justice issues reflects his commitment to creating an inclusive society, with his efforts aiming to ensure that welfare schemes are effectively implemented and reach their intended beneficiaries.