Congress Pushes for Higher ST, SC, SEBC Quota in Odisha Jobs and Education

The Indian National Congress has demanded that the state government pass a formal resolution to increase reservation in jobs and education for ST, SC and SEBC communities in Odisha. The party raised the issue strongly, stating that the existing quota does not reflect the actual population share of these communities in the state.

I am writing about this issue because reservation in jobs and education directly affects the future of lakhs of students and job seekers across Odisha. For many families from Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes, government jobs and higher education remain the main path to financial stability.

When a political party raises a demand like this, it is not just a political statement, it affects admission policies, recruitment rules and long-term opportunities. People need to understand what is being demanded, why it is being raised now, and what it could mean if the government accepts or rejects the proposal. This issue also connects to a larger national debate on social justice and fair representation.

What Congress Is Demanding

The Congress has urged the Odisha government to move a formal resolution in the State Assembly seeking an increase in reservation for:

Scheduled Tribes (ST)
Scheduled Castes (SC)
Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC)

The party argues that these communities form a large percentage of Odisha’s population, but their representation in higher education and government jobs is still not proportionate. According to Congress leaders, the current quota system needs revision based on updated population data and ground realities.

Why the Demand Has Been Raised Now

Congress leaders said that despite several welfare schemes, students from these communities continue to face problems in accessing quality education and secure employment. Many candidates are unable to compete with those who have access to better coaching, private education and financial support.

The party also pointed out that other states have taken steps to revise reservation policies over time, but Odisha has not seen a major update in quota percentages for years. This, they say, has created an imbalance between population share and actual benefits received.

Present Status of Reservation in Odisha

At present, reservation in Odisha for government jobs and educational institutions is divided among different social categories as per existing state rules. While ST and SC communities already enjoy significant reservation, Congress claims that the combined quota still falls short of their actual population percentage when SEBC is included.

The demand is that the state government must formally approach the Centre with a resolution so that legal and constitutional procedures can be followed for any increase beyond existing limits.

Political Reactions and Government Stand

The ruling establishment has not issued a detailed response at the time of writing, but sources indicate that any change in reservation policy will require careful legal examination, especially in view of the 50 percent cap laid down by the Supreme Court in most cases.

Opposition leaders, however, have maintained that special provisions can be explored, especially for states with high tribal populations like Odisha. They insist that political will is the key factor.

19,518 Unrecognised Schools in India; Highest in Jharkhand and Bihar: Education Ministry

The education ministry has released new data revealing that India has 19,518 schools operating without official recognition. These are institutions that function without meeting basic norms related to infrastructure, teacher qualifications, safety standards or academic guidelines mandated by the law. Among all states, Jharkhand has the highest number of unrecognised schools, followed by Bihar and Assam. Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh, on the other hand, have reported the lowest numbers in this category.

Many families choose such schools due to affordability or lack of good alternatives nearby, without realising that these institutions neither guarantee valid certificates nor meet required safety and quality norms. This creates a situation where children are being taught, but their education remains unofficial and unprotected. Understanding these numbers is important because it reflects both a gap in regulation and a deeper challenge of educational access in underserved regions. If we want a fair education system, it must provide quality learning along with safety, recognition and accountability.

States with Highest Number of Unrecognised Schools

According to the ministry’s data, these states have the largest number of schools running without recognition:

Jharkhand: 5,701 unrecognised schools
Bihar: 4,159 unrecognised schools
Assam: 2,475 unrecognised schools

These schools often operate in areas where government or recognised private schools are scarce. Parents prefer them due to low fees or easy access, even though they lack compliance with required norms.

Where the Numbers Are Lowest

States with the least unrecognised schools are:

Karnataka
Madhya Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Chhattisgarh

These states have better monitoring policies and relatively stronger implementation of recognition norms. It also reflects better access to recognised schools in many districts.

Why Do Unrecognised Schools Operate?

Several reasons allow such institutions to keep functioning:

Lack of nearby government schools in remote areas
Expensive private schools in urban pockets pushing parents toward cheaper options
Delayed or difficult approval processes for schools seeking recognition
Weak monitoring and local enforcement

In many cases, these schools fill a need but fail to meet legal standards.

Risks for Students Studying in Unrecognised Schools

Students enrolled in such schools face several challenges:

Certificates may not be valid, affecting admission to higher classes
Poor infrastructure may compromise safety
Untrained teachers can lead to weak learning outcomes
No accountability for academic performance or student protection

Parents may save money in the short term but risk their children’s future in the long run.

What Can Government and Schools Do?

To address this issue fairly, steps should include:

Making recognition procedures simpler and quicker
Providing financial support to schools willing to upgrade facilities
Strict monitoring but without shutting down schools that serve remote areas abruptly
Promoting community awareness about the importance of recognition

A balanced approach can protect children without removing access to education in underserved districts.