India, June 4 -- The Congress on Wednesday demanded implementation of 50 per cent reservation of seats for female students in medical, engineering and other professional courses in Odisha.

Senior Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik made this demand during a press conference. The State Government on Tuesday announced enhancement of quota for SC, ST and a new quota for Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) in medical and technical education starting from the academic year 2026-27.

"We welcome the Government's decision to provide reservations to SC, ST and OBC students. Congress has been demanding this for a long time. However, why were women students left out?" Patnaik said.

Since women constitute about 50 per cent of Odisha's p...