Kerala to extend education benefits to 28 more communities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government on Wednesday decided to include 28 communities in the list of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes, allowing students from these groups to access reservation and other educational benefits in higher education.

The decision was taken at a state cabinet meeting after accepting the recommendation of the State Backward Classes Commission. These communities were already part of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list but had not been included in the SEBC category, which determines eligibility for educational concessions and reservation in higher education , a CMO statement said.

Officials said the omission had prevented students from these communities from accessing certain educational opportunities and support schemes for many years. The existing SEBC list was based on the findings of the Kumara Pillai Commission report of 1965, which identified socially and educationally backward communities eligible for such benefits.

Also read Budget 2026: Higher education outlay up 11%; Rs 200 crore for PM Research Chairs; PM USHA sees 55% cut in RE

The issue came to the government's attention recently, following which it sought a detailed report from the State Backward Classes Commission, the statement said. After reviewing the matter, the commission recommended the inclusion of the 28 communities in the SEBC list, and the cabinet subsequently approved the proposal.

The decision is expected to help students from these communities pursue higher education with better financial and institutional support, officials said. Education experts and community representatives welcomed the move, saying it will improve access to opportunities and help reduce long-standing inequalities in the education sector.

Government sources said the inclusion aims to ensure fair access to higher education and support students from socially and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds across the state.