Himachal Pradesh: New Reservation Roster Implemented for Panchayat Elections, Ensuring Representation for Women and Backward Classes
The uncertainty surrounding Panchayat elections in Himachal Pradesh has been resolved as a new reservation roster will be implemented in Panchayati Raj institutions. The Panchayati Raj Department clarified that the 2011 Census will form the basis for SC, ST, and women’s reservations, while the 1993-94 survey will be used for OBC reservations.
Roster for Panchayat Heads:
Reservation for Panchayat heads will be calculated at the development block level based on the population of SC, ST, and backward classes. SC reservations will be applied first. Panchayats with less than 5% SC population will not have the position reserved for this category.
Reservation for Women:
50% of the posts reserved for SCs will be allocated to women. Reservations for SC and ST categories will be applied first, followed by women. In areas where SC or ST population is low, women from the general category will be given priority.
Other Provisions:
At the Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad levels, 50% of seats will be reserved for women. A maximum of 15% reservation is provided for backward classes. Panchayat heads, Panchayat Samiti presidents, and Zila Parishad presidents will have reservations for SC, ST, OBC, and women under a rotational system.
Panchayati Raj Minister Aniruddh Singh stated that the new roster will eliminate all uncertainty regarding the Panchayat election process. The department is required to issue the new reservation roster by March 31. Notifications regarding the reorganization and re-demarcation of new Panchayats and Zila Parishads have also been issued.
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