UP Cabinet Approves OBC Reservation Commission for Panchayats, Announces Government Jobs for International Medal-Winning Athletes
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Monday approved the formation of a dedicated commission to determine reservation for Other Backwards Classes (OBCs) in the state’s three-tier rural local bodies.
The newly formed body, named the Uttar Pradesh State Dedicated Backwards Class Commission for Rural Local Bodies, will study and recommend reservation quotas for OBC communities in panchayat elections.
The commission will consist of five members and will function for a period of six months from the date of its formation.
The state government will appoint all members, selecting individuals who possess knowledge and experience in matters related to backward classes.
One of the members, who must be a retired High Court judge, will be appointed as the chairperson of the commission.
According to the Cabinet decision, reservations for OBCs in three-tier panchayat institutions will not exceed 27 per cent of the total number of seats.
In cases where updated population data related to backward classes is unavailable, the commission will conduct surveys and studies to determine the population proportion before recommending reservation.
The proposal, brought by the Panchayati Raj Department, received Cabinet approval as part of the state’s effort to comply with directions issued by the Supreme Court of India regarding reservation in local body elections.
The commission will carry out detailed and contemporary studies to assess the nature and extent of backwardness among OBC communities and recommend proportional reservation in rural local bodies accordingly.
The state government currently determines reservation in village panchayats, block-level panchayats and district panchayats under the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1947 and the Uttar Pradesh Kshettra Panchayat and Zila Panchayat Adhiniyam, 1961.
Meanwhile, the state government has also approved additional gazetted officer posts for international medal-winning athletes from Uttar Pradesh.
The decision was taken during the Cabinet meeting chaired by Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Monday.
Under the new arrangement, 12 more government posts have been earmarked for international sportspersons from the state.
These include nine posts of Sports Officer in the Sports Department and three posts of District Youth Welfare and Provincial Development Team Officer in the Youth Welfare Department.
Earlier in 2022, the government had already reserved 24 posts for international medal-winning athletes. With the latest decision, the total number of such reserved gazetted posts has now increased to 36.
To implement the move, the Personnel Department has amended the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (Limitation of Functions) Regulations, 2026.
The amendment has introduced a new provision in the original 1954 regulations, enabling direct recruitment of eligible sportspersons to these posts.
Only athletes who are residents of Uttar Pradesh and have won medals in international sporting events will be eligible for direct appointment under this policy.
The government said the initiative aims to recognise and reward athletes who have brought pride to the state and the country through their achievements on the global stage.
