The government has put an end to the ongoing uncertainty regarding the three-tier Panchayat elections in the state. Panchayati Raj Minister Omprakash Rajbhar clarified that the elections of Gram Panchayat, Area Panchayat and District Panchayat will be conducted by July 2026 under any circumstances. The order of the High Court will be followed and no obstruction of any kind will be allowed in the process.
Rajbhar said that the tenures of village heads, block heads, district panchayat members and district panchayat presidents may be ending at different times, but no one’s tenure will be extended beyond July. The election schedule is being decided keeping this deadline in mind. Preparation instructions have been given to the State Election Commission and administrative machinery.
Regarding OBC reservation, the minister said that the formation of Backward Classes Commission will be approved in the next cabinet meeting. Reservation will be decided on the basis of 2011 census only and no new calculation will be done. The reservation cycle applicable earlier will be continued. According to Panchayati Raj Department officials, as soon as the Commission’s report is received, reservation of seats will be decided and the election schedule will be announced.