Himachal Panchayat Elections: New Panchayats and Rising Population to Reshape Reservation Roster
Major changes are expected in the reservation roster for the upcoming Panchayat elections in Himachal Pradesh, scheduled for December 2025. The state government has issued orders to implement the reservation roster based on the 2010 formula, but with necessary modifications.
According to experts, the 2010 Panchayat elections were based on the 2001 census. This time, due to the unavailability of updated census data, the 2011 census (which recorded the state's population at 68,64,602, up from 60,77,248 in 2001) will serve as the base. The creation of new Panchayats and significant population growth have made adjustments to the roster essential.
While the overall formula remains the same, the previously applied reservation will not be reused. The Panchayati Raj Department has instructed all Deputy Commissioners and Zila Parishad officers to strictly follow the revised guidelines.
Key Highlights of the Reservation Policy:
- Maximum of 15% reservation for the OBC category
- 50% reservation for women at Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad levels
- Equal reservation for women in the positions of Panchayat Pradhan, Samiti Chairperson, and Zila Parishad President
- Reservation will follow a rotation-based system
- Seats reserved last time will be declared general this time
Meanwhile, both the BJP and Congress have begun preparations for the upcoming elections, indicating a heated political battle ahead.
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