Politics heats up in Rajasthan, demand for 10% reservation for EWS in municipal and panchayat elections

News Topical, Digital Desk : Ahead of the Panchayat Raj and Municipal elections in Rajasthan in 2026, a significant political and social debate has intensified regarding the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Under the banner of the EWS Sangh Samiti Jodhpur, a large number of people gathered today to submit a memorandum in support.

There is a demand from the state government that just as 10 percent reservation is being given to EWS in educational institutions and government jobs, on the same lines they should also be given political representation in local body elections. 

Demand for 10% reservation for EWS raised

The Rajasthan government has always prioritized social justice, equal opportunity, and inclusive development. The Government of India, through the 103rd Amendment of the Constitution, provided 10 percent reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in educational institutions and government services, which has been effectively implemented by the state government.

In the context of the general elections of municipal bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions proposed in the year 2026, it seems extremely necessary that the economically weaker sections should also be provided proper political representation in the democratic process.

Constitutional and democratic principles

Article 243D of the Indian Constitution provides for reservation in Panchayats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population. Similarly, providing political representation to economically weaker sections to make the democratic system more inclusive, balanced, and equitable would be in keeping with the Constitution's fundamental spirit.

legal basis

It is entirely possible to legally provide 10 percent reservation for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in elected positions at the Zila Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayat levels by making necessary amendments to the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. Similarly, necessary amendments can be made to the Municipal Corporation Acts.

Social and economic realities

Many families from the general category in rural and urban areas of the state live in extremely vulnerable economic conditions. Political reservations will provide youth from such families with leadership opportunities and ensure their active participation in the democratic process.

Important step towards inclusive development

Providing representation to the EWS category at the Panchayat and Municipal level will establish social balance, promote equal opportunities and strengthen the justice-based governance system.

Initiatives aligned with national priorities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given top priority to the welfare of the poor, farmers, women, and youth. Therefore, without politically empowering economically disadvantaged citizens of the general category, it will not be possible to fully realize the concept of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas."

Please benefit lakhs of needy families of the state by taking a decision to provide 10 percent reservation to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in the upcoming elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipal Bodies of Rajasthan through the budget session or special notification.

What does the EWS Sangharsh Samiti convener have to say?

Hanuman Singh Khagta, convener of the EWS Sangharsh Samiti, says that if implemented, this proposal could change the landscape of local politics. It would provide leadership opportunities for economically disadvantaged youth from the general category and strengthen social balance in panchayats.

A senior social activist says that until now, the benefits of political reservation have been limited to certain classes. Providing representation based on economic basis will make democracy more inclusive. All eyes are now on whether the government takes a major decision on this demand, either during the budget session or through a special notification. If so, it could mark a historic shift in local politics in Rajasthan.

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