The Gujarat government has increased the reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the state’s panchayats and urban local bodies from 10% to 27%. This decision was made based on recommendations of the K.S. Jhaveri Commission, which was formed based on a 2022 Supreme Court order on deciding the level of OBC quotas in Gujarat.
While the new reservations will apply to panchayats (gram, taluka and district), municipalities and municipal corporations, PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) notified areas – where the Scheduled Tribe population exceeds 50% – will not be covered.
Rushikesh Patel, Gujarat minister and government spokesperson, said the Jhaveri Commission’s report will be tabled in the assembly in the monsoon session scheduled for September. The minister also said that the state was still within the legally mandated limit on reserved seats. “There is a 50% cap on reservation (mandated by the apex court). So, we cannot make it beyond 27% reservation for OBCs,” he said.
Chief minister Bhupendra Patel said the increased OBC reservation would not affect existing reservations for SCs and STs. “This decision reflects the PM’s call of ensuring that all sections of society are given an opportunity to flourish,” he said.
The Jhaveri Commission was formed only after the BJP state government faced criticism for setting up such a commission. The Congress had held a day-long sit-in protest in Gandhinagar on August 23 demanding more reservations for OBCs.
This article was first published by TheWire
Also Read: Rajasthan Okays Minimum Wage Hike For Labourers By Rs 26 Per Day
