SEBC Representation / Odisha Govt Constitutes Commission to Assess SEBC Representation in Local Bodies

Bhubaneswar, Oct 7: The Odisha government constituted a commission to study the representation of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) in rural and urban local self-government institutions across the State, officials said on Wednesday.

The move is aimed at examining their population share, political representation and the extent of their political backwardness in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, the added.

The commission has been formed following a decision by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi as part of the government's efforts to ensure inclusive governance and adequate representation of backward communities in local institutions.

Commission composition

According to a notification issued by the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department, retired Orissa High Court Judge Pramath Patnaik has been appointed Chairman of the commission.

Retired IAS officer Bijay Kumar Prusti will serve as a member, while Sujata Mishra, Special Secretary of the department, has been designated as Member Secretary.

Scope of study

The commission has been tasked with examining the proportion of SEBC population in comparison to the overall population in local self-government institutions across both rural and urban areas.

It will also assess the existing level of political representation of SEBC communities and study the nature and implications of their political backwardness. The findings are expected to provide a factual basis for future policy decisions concerning their participation in local governance.

Officials said the exercise would help the government understand whether SEBC communities are adequately represented in grassroots democratic institutions and identify measures required to protect their rights and interests.

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Continuing welfare measures

The formation of the commission is being viewed as part of the State government's broader efforts towards the welfare and empowerment of backward classes.

Earlier, the government had introduced 11.25 per cent reservation for SEBC students in professional higher education institutions, including engineering and medical colleges.

The latest initiative is expected to provide crucial data and recommendations that could shape future decisions relating to political representation and social justice for backward communities in Odisha.