In 2006, Bihar introduced reservations in Panchayat elections. The first cycle continued till 2011. A new cycle began in 2016 and stayed valid for the 2021 elections. Now, in 2026, the cycle will change again. Any seat that remained reserved for the same category in 2016 and 2021 will now shift to another category based on population data.

Reservation for SCs, STs, EBCs and women will continue, but the exact seats will change. The District Magistrate will prepare the reservation list using population ratios. For example, if SCs are 25% in a block, then 25% seats will be reserved for SCs. Almost 50% of seats for Panchayat Samiti members, Zila Parishad members, and chairpersons will remain reserved for women and backward groups, but the seat locations will rotate.

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The Congress leaders criticized the government for leaving reservation seats for these communities vacant under the “NOT FOUND SUITABLE” category, despite eligible candidates being available. They also voiced their disappointment regarding the Modi administration’s inaction on increasing the reservation quotas in private educational institutions.

During the press briefing, Congress leaders pointed out that private institutions are currently offering only 12% of seats to SC/ST and OBC communities, well below the expected quotas. They demanded the central government take immediate steps to increase the reservation percentages for these marginalized groups, particularly in the private sector.

The Congress party has been vocal in its call for greater inclusivity and equal opportunities for SC/ST and OBC communities, urging the Modi government to address these pressing issues before the elections.

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