SRINAGAR: The Central Government has approved reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Panchayats and Municipalities, with the percentage varying based on population.
Seats for the general category will decrease in both urban and rural bodies due to 33 percent reservation for women, including Women-SC and Women-ST, and 10 percent for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and 8 percent for Scheduled Castes (SCs).
The number of seats reserved for Women-SC and Women-ST within the 33 percent female quota will be deducted from the overall SCs and STs reservation.
This reservation for OBCs will apply across all rural bodies, including District Development Councils (DDCs) and Panchayats, as well as Municipal Corporations, Councils, and Committees.
Delimitation will determine the quantum of reservation for OBCs based on population. Certain tribes like Paharis, Paddaris, Koli, and Gadda Brahmins, despite their limited population, can contest elections under the ST category.
The ST reservation in government jobs and education has increased from 10 percent to 20 percent, but a decision is pending regarding its impact on local elections. SC reservation remains unchanged.
Elections for Panchayats and Municipalities, postponed due to OBC reservations and voter discrepancies, will proceed after delimitation, along with elections for Block Development Councils. District Development Councils’ term extends until January 2026, following their elections in 2020.
