2 min readLucknowMay 21, 2026 03:23 AM ISTThe move comes after the Yogi Adityanath cabinet recently approved the formation of the dedicated commission in line with constitutional provisions and court-mandated requirements for determining OBC reservation in local body polls.In a late-night decision, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday constituted a five-member State Rural Local Bodies Dedicated Backward Classes Commission to examine and recommend reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Panchayati Raj institutions ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections.According to a notification issued by the Panchayati Raj Department, retired Allahabad High Court judge Justice Ram Autar Singh has been appointed chairman of the commission. The commission has been constituted under the provisions of a government notification dated May 18. The other members of the panel include retired additional district judges Brijesh Kumar and Santosh Kumar Vishwakarma, along with retired IAS officers Dr Arvind Kumar Chaurasiya and S P Singh.The notification stated that the commission will function for a period of six months from the date the members assume charge of office. Separate orders regarding honorarium, allowances and other facilities for the chairperson and members will be issued later.The move comes after the Yogi Adityanath cabinet recently approved the formation of the dedicated commission in line with constitutional provisions and court-mandated requirements for determining OBC reservation in local body polls.The commission is expected to conduct an empirical inquiry into the representation of backward classes in rural local bodies and recommend the extent of reservation to be provided in panchayat elections across the state.The development is significant as the panchayat polls will be seen as a crucial test ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with OBC voters remaining a key electoral bloc for all major parties.Maulshree Seth is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, based in Lucknow. With over 15 years of experience in mainstream journalism, she has built a formidable reputation for her on-ground reporting across Uttar Pradesh. Her expertise spans a wide array of critical beats, including state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development. Authoritativeness Maulshree’s work is characterized by depth and historical context. Her coverage of high-stakes state elections and landmark judicial rulings has established her as an authoritative voice on the intersection of law and politics in Northern India. She is frequently recognized for her ability to gain access to primary sources and for her nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors that drive the world's most populous sub-national entity. Trustworthiness & Ethical Journalism Her reporting is rooted in rigorous fact-checking and a steadfast dedication to neutral, unbiased storytelling. By prioritizing field-based verification—often traveling to the most remote corners of the state—she ensures that her readers receive a truthful and comprehensive view of events. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:lucknowUP governmentAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...Advertisement