Odisha Sets Up Panel to Examine SEBC Representation in Local Bodies

The Odisha government has constituted a dedicated commission to assess the population strength and political representation of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) in the state’s local self-government institutions.
The decision was taken by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday, following which the ST and SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department issued an official notification establishing the panel.
The commission will be headed by retired Orissa High Court judge Justice Pramath Patnaik. Retired IAS officer Bijay Kumar Prusti has been appointed as a member, while department Special Secretary Sujata Mishra will function as the member-secretary.

The panel will study the presence and representation of SEBC communities in rural and urban local bodies, including panchayats and municipalities. It will also examine the extent of their political backwardness and its impact on their participation in local governance.
Based on its findings, the commission is expected to recommend measures aimed at ensuring adequate political representation for SEBC communities and protecting their constitutional and democratic rights.
The move follows the Odisha government’s recent decision to introduce 11.25 per cent reservation for SEBC students in professional higher education, including medical and engineering institutions.