UP Panchayat Elections i.e. Panchayat elections held in Uttar Pradesh are held once every five years, in which representatives of Gram Panchayat, Kshetra Panchayat and District Panchayat are elected. The next Panchayat elections are proposed in April-May 2026, and this time too discussions are in full swing regarding reservation.
But the question is what will be the basis of reservation? That is, how many seats will which category get and which seat will be reserved for whom? The answer to this is linked to the "base year", only after deciding which the entire process of reservation will start.
What is the base year for deciding reservation in UP Panchayat Elections?
Every time before the election, it is decided that the seats which were reserved last time should be changed this time so that every category can get equal representation. This is called the "rotation system" of reservation.
For example, if 2015 was considered as the base year, then the same seats were not reserved for the same category in the 2021 Panchayat elections. Similarly, now the question arises whether 2021 should be considered as the base for the 2026 elections or 2015 or any other year.
How is the order of reservation decided?
The process of deciding reservation is quite scientific and based on population data:
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First of all, it is decided how much percentage of reservation is to be given to which category (SC, ST, OBC, women).
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After this, a list of gram panchayats is made on the basis of the population of each block or panchayat.
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Then they are placed in descending order (i.e. highest to lowest population).
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Finally, the seats which were not reserved last time are given priority.
What is the rotation system of reservation?
The order of reservation in Panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh is decided in this way:
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Women of Scheduled Tribes
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Scheduled Tribes
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Women of Scheduled Castes
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Scheduled Castes
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Women of Backward Classes
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Backward Classes
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Women of General Category
In every election, seats are reserved on the basis of this order.
How many seats will be reserved for which category in UP Panchayat Elections?
According to experts, the reservation of total panchayat seats in the state is likely to be something like this:
| Name of the post | Reserved category | Estimated seats |
| Gram Pradhan | Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 300 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 12,000 | |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 15,500 | |
| District Panchayat President | Scheduled Caste | 16 |
| OBC | 20 | |
| Kshetra Panchayat Pramukh | Scheduled Tribe | 5 |
| Scheduled Caste | 171 | |
| OBC | 223 |
Apart from this, 33% of the total seats will be reserved for women.
Proposal will be sent to the cabinet
The proposal to fix the base year for reservation by the Panchayati Raj Department of the Uttar Pradesh government will be sent to the cabinet by the end of this month. As soon as the cabinet approves, the process of reservation and preparation of list of seats will start.
Census data will also be used
While determining the reservation, the data of the 2011 census is being made the basis. That is, the number of seats will be decided keeping in mind the population of each category. This process will be done in a transparent and balanced manner so that every community can get justice.
When will UP Panchayat Elections be held?
Panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh are likely to be held in April or May 2026 next year. Therefore, the reservation process, base year determination and election preparations have already started.
🔚 Conclusion: Why is it necessary to fix the base year?
Determining the base year is the most important step to keep the reservation system fair and balanced in UP Panchayat Elections. This not only ensures proper representation of all sections, but also maintains people's faith in the democratic process.
In the coming days, as soon as the cabinet approves the base year, the reservation list will be made public and it will be clear in every panchayat which seat is reserved for which section.