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Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Odisha CM: Why a Key Commission Remains Defunct

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written a letter to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. He is pushing for the quick reconstitution of the state's Backward Classes Commission, which stopped functioning months ago. Pradhan argues that this leaves over 200 backward communities without a crucial platform for their concerns. He hopes timely action will safeguard the rights and interests of these groups across Odisha.

Key Points: Dharmendra Pradhan Writes to Odisha CM Mohan Majhi on OSCBC

  • Pradhan highlights the commission has been non-functional since its tenure ended in January 2024
  • The defunct body leaves 216 SEBC communities without a formal grievance platform
  • The commission's role includes advising on policy and surveying social conditions
  • Its absence hinders access to equitable opportunities in education and employment
2 min read

Dharmendra Pradhan writes to Odisha CM seeking early reconstitution of State Backward Classes Commission

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urges Odisha CM for early reconstitution of the defunct State Backward Classes Commission, citing impact on 216 communities.

"“I request your personal intervention for the early reconstitution of the Odisha State Commission for Backward Classes, which will uphold the spirit of social justice” – Dharmendra Pradhan"

Bhubaneswar, Dec 22

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging his personal intervention for the early reconstitution of the Odisha State Commission for Backward Classes (OSCBC), which has remained non-functional after the completion of its tenure on January 3, 2024.

In his letter issued on Monday, Pradhan pointed out that the OSCBC has become functus officio due to the absence of appointed members, resulting in the lack of a statutory mechanism to address the concerns of Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) communities in the state.

Highlighting that Odisha is home to as many as 216 SEBC communities constituting a significant portion of the state’s population, the Union Minister said these communities continue to face challenges in accessing equitable opportunities in education, employment, and welfare schemes. In the absence of a functioning Commission, they are deprived of a formal platform to raise grievances and seek redressal, he noted.

Pradhan underlined the crucial role of the OSCBC in examining requests for inclusion of communities in the SEBC list, addressing grievances, and advising the government on policy matters.

He also referred to the Odisha State Commission for Backward Classes (Amendment) Act, 2020, under which the Commission has been entrusted with conducting surveys on the social and educational conditions of backward class communities, as decided by the state government.

“In view of the above, I request your personal intervention for the early reconstitution of the Odisha State Commission for Backward Classes, which will uphold the spirit of social justice besides fulfilling the aspirations of the state’s backward communities,” Pradhan stated in the letter.

The Union Minister expressed hope that timely action would ensure statutory representation and safeguard the rights and interests of backward class communities across Odisha.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Finally, someone at the centre is taking notice! The state government has been sleeping on this. My own community has been waiting for inclusion in the SEBC list for years. Without the commission, our file is just gathering dust. Hope CM Majhi listens. 🙏
A
Aman W
While I agree the commission needs to be reconstituted, let's not make this political. The letter from the Union Minister is a step in the right direction, but the state government also has its procedures. Hopefully, both can work together for social justice.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in development, a functional commission is crucial for data-driven policy. The 2020 amendment allows for surveys - how can you plan welfare schemes without current data on social and educational conditions? This delay is hurting the most vulnerable.
K
Karthik V
It's good to see this being highlighted. But I have a respectful criticism: wasn't the Union Minister's own party in power at the centre when the commission's tenure ended in January? Could there have been a nudge earlier? Nonetheless, better late than never. The state government must now act with urgency.
N
Nisha Z
Absolutely vital for Odisha's progress. When a significant portion of the population feels their grievances have no channel, it creates social friction. The CM should treat this as a priority. A functioning commission is not a favour, it's a right for backward classes.

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