Patna: The State Election Commission in Bihar has begun preparations to overhaul the reservation cycle for all reserved posts in the upcoming three-tier Panchayat elections, following statutory provisions that require rotational reservation after two consecutive terms.
Under the existing framework, a maximum of 50% reservation is mandated for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) and women in Panchayat bodies. With the next election cycle scheduled for 2026, the categories that benefited from reserved seats in both the 2016 and 2021 elections will see those allocations withdrawn and reassigned. The reshuffle will be based on population data, officials confirmed.
The Panchayat Raj Act stipulates that the reservation cycle must rotate after two general elections. Reservation across all posts was first introduced in 2006 under the Nitish Kumar government and remained unchanged through 2011.
Under the rules, reservation for SC and ST candidates is determined strictly in proportion to their population in a constituency. For example, if SC/ST groups constitute 25% of the population, they are entitled to 25% of reserved seats. Around 20% of remaining seats are typically allocated to EBC candidates.
District Magistrates will determine seat-wise allocation according to the guidelines. Reservation for Gram Panchayat members is calculated on the basis of the total number of seats in a Panchayat, while that for Mukhiya positions depends on the number of Gram Panchayats within a Panchayat Samiti. Similarly, allocation in Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad bodies is based on the total number of seats in each unit.
Half of all positions for Block Mukhiyas and Zila Parishad chairpersons are reserved in each district. The reshuffle is expected to significantly alter the electoral landscape as political groups prepare for the 2026 polls.
