Lucknow: In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved the formation of the “Uttar Pradesh State Dedicated Backward Classes Commission” to determine reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in rural local bodies.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Yogi Adityanath at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow. All 12 proposals presented in the meeting received cabinet approval.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Suresh Kumar Khanna said the commission has been constituted in compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court regarding OBC reservation in local body elections.
The newly approved commission will conduct a contemporary and empirical study of the social, political and demographic status of backward classes in Uttar Pradesh. It will examine their population, representation and participation in Gram Panchayats, Kshetra Panchayats and Zila Panchayats before recommending proportional reservation for OBCs on a body-wise basis.
According to the government, reservation for backward classes in Panchayats will not exceed 27 percent of the total seats, in line with provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act, 1947 and the Uttar Pradesh Kshettra Panchayat and Zila Panchayat Act, 1961. In cases where updated population data is unavailable, the commission may conduct surveys to determine figures.
The commission will comprise five members nominated by the state government. A retired High Court judge will serve as its chairperson, while other members will include individuals with knowledge and experience related to backward class welfare and policy matters.
Officials stated that the commission’s tenure will ordinarily be six months. Based on its report, the state government will finalize the reservation structure for the forthcoming Panchayat elections.
The government also reiterated that provisions for reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes in Panchayats are mandated under Article 243D of the Constitution and related state laws.
