Odisha Expands Quota in Education and Launches Free Rice Scheme

The Odisha government has significantly increased the reservation for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students while introducing a quota for the Socially and Economically Backward Classes in medical and technical education. Additionally, the state will launch a new rice distribution scheme under 'Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana' from 2026-27.

In a landmark decision, the Odisha government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved a significant enhancement in educational reservations. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students will now see a boost in their representation, with quotas rising to 22.50% for ST and 16.25% for SC applicants.

For the first time, the Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) in Odisha will benefit from an 11.25% reservation in fields such as engineering, medicine, and arts. This policy change aims to reflect the population's demographics more accurately and provide equitable opportunities in higher education institutions across the state.

In another major announcement, Odisha will introduce the 'Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana' for the fiscal year 2026-27. This scheme promises an additional 5 kg of rice per month to beneficiaries of the National and State Food Security Schemes, impacting millions of families.

(With inputs from agencies.)