Latest news with #SrikantJena
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Congress stages dharna over SEBC quota in Bhubaneswar
BHUBANESWAR : The Congress on Thursday organised a dharna in front of the official residence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi demanding extension of reservation for socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs) in private educational institutions and private companies. Besides, the quota should be raised to 27 per cent in all educational institutions and jobs, the party demanded. However, the growing unhappiness among the senior leaders over the list of state office-bearers came to the fore at the dharna as many of them did not participate in it. Those who remained absent included former Union minister Srikant Jena, former OPCC president Jayadev Jena, leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Ramachandra Kadam, former minister Panchanan Kanungo and Mohammed Moquim.
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Odisha introduces 11.25% reservation for SEBC students in higher education
In a significant policy decision, the Odisha Government on Wednesday (May 14, 2025) approved a proposal to introduce 11.25% reservation for students from the Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) in admissions to State-owned and State-funded institutions of higher education. The decision, approved by the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, will be implemented from the academic year 2025–26. The reservation will be applicable in State public universities, Government and aided higher secondary schools and colleges functioning under the School and Mass Education, Higher Education, Odia Language, Literature and Culture, and Sports and Youth Services Departments. A Government statement said the move is aimed at ensuring uniform implementation of reservation across categories. The new policy aligns with the reservation structure that includes 22.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 16.25% for Scheduled Castes (SC), 11.25% for SEBC, 5% for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and 1% for Ex-Servicemen. 'The initiative seeks to promote access, equity and inclusion, increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), and enhance opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged communities in Odisha in line with the National Education Policy 2020,' the statement noted. Odisha had hitherto not provided reservation for SEBC/OBC students in education, despite longstanding demands from across the political spectrum for the implementation of a 27% quota. In the sphere of employment, the State had earlier implemented a 27% reservation for OBC/SEBC candidates in 1994. However, this was overturned following a 1998 judgment by the Odisha Administrative Tribunal, which was later upheld by the high court in 2007. Since then, SEBC reservation in public employment has remained at 11.25%. Reacting to the Cabinet decision, former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Srikant Jena, in a letter to Chief Minister Majhi, criticised the measure as inadequate. He pointed out that SEBCs constitute nearly 54% of Odisha's population and accused successive governments of neglecting their educational rights. 'Due to the absence of proper reservation, more than 7,000 SEBC students have lost medical seats, and nearly 50,000 job opportunities have been denied,' Mr. Jena alleged, reiterating his demand for the immediate implementation of the constitutionally mandated 27% reservation in both education and employment.
New Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Congress revival certain, people looking to it with hope: Former Union Minister Bhakta Charan Das
A party veteran, three-time MP and former Union minister Bhakta Charan Das has been given a herculean task of rebuilding Congress in Odisha. In discussion with Team TNIE under the Odisha Dialogues series, the newly-appointed president of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee outlines his vision, mission and strategy to revive the grand old party in the state. Excerpts: You have been appointed as the president of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) at a time when the party is in a crisis in the state. It is fighting from the margins. What is your immediate strategy to revive the party in the state? I have been in Odisha politics since long. I have initiated steps to find out the reasons behind the party's defeat in every election and what can be done for its revival in the state. The two rivals - BJP and BJD - are no doubt stronger. They have money power and efficient election management machinery. But I believe that people of Odisha want a real change. The people of the state have realised that the BJD and BJP are hand in glove. They are once again looking towards Congress with hope. You said that BJD and BJP are hand in glove. If the people knew this, why did they vote for BJP in 2024 election? Why did Congress fare so badly? In the last election, our selection of candidates was wrong to the extent of 80 per cent. I clearly admit it. The campaigning was also amiss. Did you see any public meeting other than that addressed by Rahul Gandhiji and party president Khargeji? Barring a meeting that I had organised in Kalahandi in which former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel attended, there was no concerted campaign involving national leaders. We totally failed in election management. But you must realise, despite our weaknesses, about 15 of our candidates lost by low margins of 5,000 to 15,000 votes. If we had given some more attention to them, the party could have won another 15 to 20 Assembly seats. You were appointed OPCC president overlooking the claims of several senior leaders like Srikant Jena and Mohammed Moquim. As factionalism has long plagued the Congress in the state, how do you plan to unify leaders and cadres? You must see how I have already unified everybody. I openly visited every leader's house and discussed with them. They are all coming together. All the senior leaders like Srikant Jena, Jayadev Jena, Niranjan Patnaik and Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka are very close to me. Everybody including the young MLAs are also supporting me. Nobody has opposed my appointment. Where are the youth leaders in Congress? The party has failed to groom young leaders who can take the organisation ahead. We have many young leaders who were defeated in the 2024 election. At least 20 youth candidates are there who can win the next election. Now we are focused on rebuilding the Youth Congress and NSUI. We are going to organise intensive training camps for them. We are also selecting educated women leaders. I am going to select 500 educated youths with commitment who will carry the party forward.
