SCB students join protest against Odisha ST, SC quota hike

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Cuttack, May 8:

Days after the Odisha government announced an increase in reservation of seats for SC and ST students in higher education from this academic year, the anger simmering among the students is spilling over to the streets.

The dissenting students of SCB Medical College and Hospital staged a demonstration here today against the government decision to up the reservation percentage in higher education including post graduate studies in medical science.

Notably, the medicos of other two government medical college and hospitals—VSS in Burla and MKCG in Brahmapur—had also resorted to similar protest rallies earlier this week.

“We oppose quota in specialization and super specialization in medical studies,” a protesting medical student of SCB Medical College said.

Braving the searing heat, students turned up in large numbers and took out a rally with placards in hands and shouting slogans against the BJD government’s decision. The white-apron clad students threatened to intensify the stir if the government did not roll back its decision.

It may be mentioned here that the state government has decided to increase the reservation of seats for SC students from eight per cent to 16.25 per cent and from 12 per cent to 22.5 per cent for ST students in higher education, including in medical and engineering colleges, with effect from 2015-16 academic session.

“The increase in quota would affect the higher medical education in the state and have a cascading effect on the health services,” said a final year MBBS student.

“The meritorious general category students should not be deprived of their right to pursue higher education. The increase in quota should be immediately rolled back,” said another demonstrator.