Odisha ULB Chairperson Reservation 2026: Odisha Releases Draft Reservation List for 35 ULB Chairperson Posts
The Odisha Government has taken an important step toward the forthcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections by issuing a draft notification with the recommendation to reserve the Chairperson seats in a total of 35 Municipalities and Notified Area Councils (NACs) of the state.
According to the notification prepared by the Housing and Urban Development Department, members of the public are given 15 days to present their objections and suggestions after its issue in the Odisha Gazette. After considering the feedback, the government is expected to release the final list of reservations; therefore, paving the way toward the upcoming civic polls.
Odisha ULB Chairperson Reservation 2026, The draft notification has been issued under Section 47(3) and (4) of the Odisha Municipal Act of the year 1950, depending also on Rule 67(5) of the Odisha Municipal (Delimitation of Wards, Reservation of Seats and Conduct of Election) Rules of the year 1994.
Chairperson Posts Reserved for SC Women
According to the draft notification, the Chairperson posts in the following 11 NACs have been proposed to be reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) Women:
- Patrapur
- Salepur
- Bissamcuttack
- Jagannathprasad
- Tihidi
- Sohela
- Birmaharajpur
- Narasinghpur
- Narla
- Simulia
- Badamba
Chairperson Posts Reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC)
The following Urban Local Bodies have been proposed to be reserved for the Scheduled Caste (SC) category:
- Loisingha
- Dhusuri
- Palalahada
- Jashipur
- Basta
- Tangi
- Chatrapur Municipality
Reservation for ST Women and ST Category
The draft notification also proposes reservation of Chairperson posts for Scheduled Tribe (ST) Women in:
- Chitrada
- Bangriposi
- Kaptipada
- Betanati
- Bamra
- Rengali
Meanwhile, the following Urban Local Bodies have been proposed to be reserved for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category:
- Borigumma
- Rasagobindapur
- Gondia
- Jayapatana
Posts Reserved for Women and Unreserved Category
The government has proposed reserving the Chairperson posts in the following Urban Local Bodies for Women, irrespective of caste:
- Chandikhol NAC
- Boudhagada Municipality
- Asika Municipality
- Bhanjanagar Municipality
Additionally, Polasara Municipality and Odagaon NAC have been kept unreserved, allowing candidates from any eligible category to contest.
Public Invited to Submit Objections and Suggestions
Citizens, political parties, and stakeholders have been invited to submit objections or suggestions to the Director, Municipal Administration, within 15 days of the notification’s publication in the Odisha Gazette.
Officials stated that every representation received within the stipulated period will be carefully examined before the government issues the final notification.
Why the Reservation Process Matters
Odisha ULB Chairperson Reservation 2026, The reservation of Chairperson posts is a mandatory statutory process conducted before every Urban Local Body election in Odisha. It aims to ensure fair representation of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women in urban governance.
The allocation of reserved posts follows a rotational system prescribed under the Odisha Municipal Act and the relevant election rules, promoting inclusive and balanced representation in local self-governance.
Impact on the Upcoming Odisha ULB Elections
The unveiling of the draft reservation list constitutes one of the most vital administrative activities prior to the holding of the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections in Odisha.Odisha ULB Chairperson Reservation 2026, The allocation of the Chairperson positions makes it easier for candidates to process applications for the respective Municipality and Notified Area Council (NAC) to initiate their election campaign.
Political parties shall thoroughly scrutinize the draft reservation pattern before finalizing their candidates. The reservation system follows a rotational principle, which means that changes may be seen in the allocation of categories in different urban local bodies in comparison with previous elections. Odisha ULB Chairperson Reservation 2026, These guarantees involving different sectors of society into urban governance in the long run.
Moreover, the reservation process facilitates compliance with the constitutional provisions concerning increased representation of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women in local self-government authorities.
Once consultations with the public are finished, the Government of Odisha will review all objections and suggestions sent over the next 15-day time frame. If need be, changes can be made before the final reservation list is announced. Odisha ULB Chairperson Reservation 2026, The Election Commission will also be able to kick off other election-related activities by then, such as announcing the date for polling.
The final notification regarding reservations is expected to clarify the position of candidates, the political parties, and the general public across Odisha.
What Happens Next?
The Odisha Government will consider all the objections and recommendations following the release of the provisional reservation list in the public domain. Odisha ULB Chairperson Reservation 2026, After completing this process, the government is likely to proceed with the eagerly anticipated Urban Local Body elections, which will be a key step towards enhancing grassroots democracy and urban governance.
