In Gujarat, the state government 29th August 2023 announced a 27 percent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local bodies like panchayats, municipalities, and civic corporations.
* Briefing media in Gandhinagar, minister and government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel said the decision was taken based on the basis of the Jhaveri Commission report.
* The announcement, seats in panchayats municipalities and municipal corporations will be kept reserved for OBC candidates in 27 percent proportion when elections are held.
* However, in the PESA-notified areas, the reservation for OBCs will continue to be 10 percent to protect the interest of tribals.
* The minister added that the existing quota for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will remain unchanged and there has been no breach of the 50 percent reservation ceiling.
* This decision will pave the way for holding of local body polls in the state which were postponed due to the pending OBC quota issue..
Source : AIR