rajasthan-obc-panel-to-give-poll-quota-report-in-3-months

The Rajasthan State Other Backwards Classes (Political Representation) Commission will submit its recommendations on reservation for OBCs in Panchayati Raj and Urban Body elections within the next three months, Ashok Kumar Jain, Secretary (Advisor) of the commission, has said.

 

In a letter to the State Election Commission, Jain wrote that the Rajasthan State OBC (Political Representation) Commission is required to conduct a “contemporaneous rigorous empirical inquiry” into the nature of backwardness of OBCs in local bodies, as mandated by the Supreme Court.

 

“In compliance with the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Commission has to conduct a contemporaneous rigorous empirical inquiry into the nature of backwardness of Other Backward Classes at all levels in local bodies (rural/urban) within the state and its implications and submit recommendations to the State Government regarding reservation of Other Backward Classes in the elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Bodies of the State within a stipulated time frame,” Jain wrote.

 

He added that the commission has already begun the process, undertaking a survey of OBC families and collecting data through discussions with institutions, political parties and research scholars working for the welfare of OBCs.

 

“This Commission has started working to fulfil the responsibilities assigned to it as mentioned above. The Commission is conducting a survey of the families of Other Backwards Classes in the state and is also working to collect data related to Other Backwards Classes by discussing with the institutions, political parties and research scholars working for the welfare of Other Backwards Classes,” the letter said.

 

“In compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Commission will be able to submit its recommendations to the State Government in about three months regarding reservation for Other Backwards Classes for each unit for the elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Bodies of the State,” it added.

 

The announcement comes as Rajasthan prepares for the Panchayati Raj polls. According to the State Election Commission, the five-year term of 6,759 Gram Panchayats ended in January 2025, while the term of 704 Gram Panchayats expired in March 2025. 

 

Another 3,847 Gram Panchayats will complete their term in September-October 2025, for which general elections are to be held.