Special panel for OBC quota in UP panchayat polls, efforts begin

A State Backward Classes Commission will be formed in Uttar Pradesh to determine OBC reservations for the upcoming panchayat elections. As per Supreme Court directives, the commission will follow the 'triple test' criteria to finalize the reservation process.

The Panchayati Raj Department has already initiated the procedure, which includes delimitation of panchayats and determining reservation through a rotation system.

Prem Shankar Mishra, Lucknow:

In Uttar Pradesh, a dedicated State Backward Classes Commission will be formed to determine OBC reservations for the upcoming panchayat elections, scheduled for early next year. As per Supreme Court guidelines, the commission will conduct a study based on the 'triple test' criteria and submit its report on OBC reservation. The Panchayati Raj Department has already initiated the process. A similar commission was also set up earlier for urban local body elections.

Preparations for the panchayat elections have begun, with both the Panchayati Raj Department and the State Election Commission starting preliminary work. The creation and expansion of urban local bodies have been put on hold, and the restructuring of gram panchayats is currently underway.

The first step will be the delimitation of panchayats, followed by the allocation of reservation on a rotational basis.

Why the Commission is Necessary

While SC-ST reservations are determined based on Census data—specifically the 2011 figures—OBC reservations have traditionally relied on brief, localized surveys. Typically, 27% of seats are reserved for OBCs.

However, in a landmark case from Maharashtra, the Supreme Court ruled that OBC reservations must also follow a defined procedure, now known as the 'triple test'. This has made the formation of a dedicated commission essential to ensure compliance with legal standards.

A dedicated State Backward Classes Commission will be established to handle OBC-related matters and other survey formalities. The process for its formation is currently underway. Once the delimitation is completed, the work of determining reservation will begin.