UP Cabinet Clears Major Roadblock for Panchayat Elections

Lucknow, May 18, 2026 The Uttar Pradesh government has moved a step closer to conducting Panchayat elections by approving the formation of a Dedicated OBC Commission during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The decision is being viewed as a key development in resolving issues related to OBC reservation, which had delayed the local body election process in the state. The newly approved commission will study and recommend the structure of OBC reservation for Panchayat polls in line with Supreme Court guidelines. Headed by a retired High Court judge, the panel will conduct a detailed survey and submit its report within six months. The move is expected to remove major legal hurdles surrounding reservations in Gram Panchayat, Block and Zila Panchayat elections. Along with this decision, the cabinet also approved several proposals linked to infrastructure, education and public welfare. Veterinary students in state universities will now receive a higher internship stipend, while metro expansion-related proposals for Lucknow and Agra also received approval. The decisions reflect the government’s push to accelerate development projects alongside administrative reforms. The cabinet’s approvals have strengthened the possibility of Panchayat elections being held without further delays. With the reservation issue now heading towards a structured resolution, the government has signalled its intent to ensure both legal compliance and smoother electoral preparations across Uttar Pradesh.