Bhubaneswar, April 1 -- The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed a prolonged late-night session as the Odisha State Public Universities (Reservation in Teachers' Cadre) Bill, 2026, was passed following an intense four-hour debate.

The bill was approved despite strong opposition and demands to refer it to a select committee. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj defended the government's decision, emphasising the urgency of implementing the legislation without delay.

Speaker Surama Padhy initiated the discussion, during which legislators Ranendra Pratap Swain and Arun Kumar Sahu proposed amendments to various provisions of the bill.

Responding to the concerns, the Minister clarified that implementing 50 per cent reservation withi...