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Lucknow. Preparations for the upcoming three-tier panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh are gaining momentum. Many important decisions are being taken regarding this time’s elections, out of which the two most important points are – formation of a commission for backward class reservation and determination of new wards in gram panchayats.

Formation of Backward Classes Commission

The state government has clarified that a dedicated backward class commission is being formed to provide reservation to OBCs (backward classes) in panchayat elections. This commission will ensure constitutional system of reservation on the basis of backwardness.

Salient features of the Commission:

There will be a total of 5 members in the commission. The members will be selected from among such persons who have social and administrative experience, especially understanding of issues to backward classes. The presence of a woman member has been ensured. The chairman of the commission will be nominated who will have the status of a minister of state. The tenure of the commission will be 6 months. The commission will study backwardness and give recommendations regarding reservation, which will reduce the chances of legal disputes regarding reservation.

Redrawing of wards:

The Panchayati Raj Department is forming wards of the Panchayats, which will be completely based on population. Its purpose is to make the representation balanced and equitable.

Criteria for allocation of wards:

Per 1000 population: 9 wards

2000 population: 11 wards

Population of 3000: 13 wards

Maximum Limit: 15 Wards

Actually this time 512 Gram Panchayats are being abolished. While 11 new Gram Panchayats have been formed. Now the total number of Gram Panchayats in Uttar Pradesh has come down to 57,694 (this number was 58,195 in 2021). The total number of wards will also decrease, due to which the number of District Panchayat member seats may also decrease in some districts. A target has been set to complete the work of ward determination by July 10.