Odisha to bring a fresh Bill to amend ORV Act

The Odisha government will bring a fresh Bill to amend the Odisha Reservation of Vacancies (ORV) Act after members cutting across party lines expressed concerns over inadequate representation of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates in different government jobs.
Minister for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare, Lal Bihari Himirika pointed out that the Odisha Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Amendment Bill, 2013, became invalid with the dissolution of the 14th Assembly.
MLAs cutting across party lines made a strong plea for amendment of the Act to carry forward the reservation of posts in case of suitable candidates and reservation of posts in contractual appointments.

"Steps have been taken to bring a fresh Bill within the term of the 15th Assembly," the Minister said while replying to the debate on demand for grant of his department.
The Opposition Congress and BJP came down heavily on the ruling BJD for not keeping its word to amend the ORV Act.
Congress MLAs Bhujabal Majhi and Prafulla Majhi said despite the State Government's assurance to the House on several occasions, the Act was yet to be amended.
BJP member Rabinarayan Nayak alleged that the ruling BJD was not interested in welfare of SCs and STs.