(a) whether there is provision for reservation for Other Backward Castes (OBCs) in Panchayat elections and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government is taking any steps to restore this provision which was stayed in State panchayat elections and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ
(SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL)
(a) to (c) Panchayat, being “Local Government”, is a State subject and part of State List of Seventh Schedule of Constitution of India. Accordingly, Panchayats are set up and operate through the respective State Panchayati Raj Acts and all matters relating to Panchayats including reservation for Other Backward Castes (OBCs) in Panchayat elections come within the purview of States. Further, Article 243D (6) of Part IX of the Constitution of India provides that nothing in this Part shall prevent Legislature of a State from making any provision for reservation of seats in any Panchayat or offices of Chairpersons in Panchayats at any level in favour of backward class of citizens.
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