Maharashtra govt to soon issue ordinance to restore reservation for OBCs in local body polls

Mumbai: Maharashtra Government will soon issue an ordinance to restore reservation for ‘Other Backward Classes’ in local body polls. This was announced by the Minister of Food and Civil Supply and Consumer Affairs, Chhagan Bhujbal after the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray yesterday. 

Bhujbal said the overall reservation will not cross the 50 percent cap and the Maharashtra Gram Panchayat Act will be amended to ensure 27 percent reservation for backward classes while also including the OBC category so that the 50 percent reservation cap is balanced.

Maharashtra’s Minister of Food and Civil



Supply and Consumer Affairs Chhagan Bhujbal has said the OBC seats may reduce by 10-12 percent in the process but it would be necessary to balance reservation benefits for all communities. With the move, the state will be able to secure 90% seats of the OBC community in the local bodies. 

He said the decision was taken in view of the bypolls in six district councils announced by the state election commission and the notification that will be issued soon will be valid for upcoming civic and local body elections.  He added that the fight for the OBC reservation in Apex Court will continue.