Bhubaneswar: In a proactive move to ensure seamless preparations for the upcoming three-tier Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections, the Odisha government has set a strict deadline of April 2026 for finalising seat reservations across Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zilla Parishads.
The elections are scheduled for January–February 2027, following the completion of the current term of the elected bodies.
Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department Secretary Girish S N, has instructed all district collectors to adhere strictly to a time-boun
d schedule for completing the reservation exercise. The letter outlines the process for reserving seats for ward members, Sarpanchs, Panchayat Samiti members and chairpersons, as well as Zilla Parishad members and presidents.
The government has emphasised timely completion of the exercise to enable the State Election Commission to proceed with election preparations without delay. It has also issued a detailed Calendar of Events outlining the reservation process, in line with provisions of the Odisha Gram Panchayat Election Rules, the Odisha Zilla Parishad Act, and related laws.
Reservations will follow a rotation system among Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Class of Citizens (BCC), and women. In line with state policy, 50% of the seats will be reserved for women. Officials have been directed to ensure that the process is carried out strictly as per legal provisions, with adequate opportunity for public objections at the draft stage.