Session Held in Two Phases for 22 Days
The Odisha Legislative Assembly’s Budget Session concluded today, earlier than scheduled. The session, which began on February 17 and was originally slated to continue until April 8, saw a total of 22 sitting days across two phases.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented the state Budget for the financial year 2026–27 on February 20.
Frequent Disruptions and Opposition Protests
The proceedings were marked by repeated disruptions. In the first phase, opposition members protested over alleged irregularities in paddy procurement, leading to several days of stalled House proceedings.
In the second phase, opposition parties continued protests for nine consecutive days, demanding the resignation of the Health Minister over the SCB Medical College fire incident. As a result, much of the legislative business could not function normally.
Despite the disruptions, opposition members participated in discussions on the Appropriation Bill.
Key Legislative Business Completed
On the final day, the Assembly witnessed nearly four hours of discussions before passing the Odisha Government Universities Cadre Reservation Bill, 2026. The bill aims to ensure reservation policies in teaching appointments by treating each state-run university as a single unit.
However, the bill related to salary hikes for ministers and MLAs, as well as pensions for former legislators, was withdrawn after several members demanded a review. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling stated that the decision was taken following calls for reconsideration.
Discussion on Reservation and Vacancy Concerns
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj highlighted that while central institutions follow a unified reservation system, Odisha lacked such a framework for its state universities.
He also pointed out that out of 2,086 sanctioned teaching posts in state universities, only 659 are currently filled, emphasizing the need for legislation to address vacancies and ensure representation of SC, ST, SEBC, and other categories.
Opposition Demands and Debate
Opposition leaders, including Ranendra Pratap Swain, Arun Kumar Sahoo, Ashok Das, Dhruva Charan Sahu, and Ganeshwar Behera, demanded that the bill be referred to a Select Committee for further review. However, the government argued for its immediate implementation due to its importance.
The Speaker later allowed discussions, but the opposition strongly opposed the bill.
Tributes and Adjournment
The House also witnessed discussions on Biju Babu in the morning session, followed by extensive debates on the budget and the reservation bill.
In his closing remarks, Chief Minister Majhi thanked all members for their participation. Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik and Congress MLA Ashok Das also expressed gratitude on behalf of their respective parties.
At 12:41 AM, the Speaker adjourned the House sine die, marking the end of the Budget Session after a turbulent yet productive legislative period.