Assam: Composition of district panels to oversee reservation of PRI constituencies notified

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The state government has notified the would-be composition of the district-level committees to oversee the reservation of PRI (Panchayati Raj Institution) constituencies at different levels.

This is in pursuance of Section 9, Section 34, and Section 66 of the Assam Panchayat Act 1994 that mandates reservation for ST, SC, and women in PRI constituencies at different levels—ward members, presidents and vice presidents of gaon panchayats and anchalik panchayats, and members of zila parishad. Reservation for women is 50 percent.

Each of the district committees will comprise the district commissioner as the chairman, the additional district commissioner (election in-charge) as the member-secretary, the chief executive officer (CEO), the district statistical officer, circle officers, block development officers (BDOs), election officers, executive officers, and chairpersons of municipal boards or secretaries as members.

The committee is responsible for ensuring that constituencies are reserved for SC, ST, and women candidates based on the notified guidelines. These seats are typically allocated based on the population composition of the area and the legal framework  governing reservation.  The committee will ensure that the reservation guidelines are adhered to and fair representation of SC, ST, and women candidates in Panchayat elections is achieved.

The committee shall ensure a fair and transparent lottery process wherever applicable. It may consult with local communities, political parties, and other stakeholders. The committee shall ensure 50 percent women reservation across different levels of panchayats (GP, AP, and ZP).

If there are complaints regarding the allocation of reserved seats or if there is evidence of manipulation or unfair practices, the committee will act as a mediator to resolve disputes. The committee will also ensure that all reservation processes follow guidelines in a fair, just, and open manner.

The reservation committee shall conduct its meetings in the presence of political parties and relevant civil society organizations, and such meetings are to be videographed. Still photography of such meetings is also to be done to ensure complete transparency of the process.

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