Published: 8 July 2026Amar UjalaRajasthan
Rajasthan OBC Commission to Conduct Door-to-Door Survey Ahead of Panchayat Elections
Rajasthan's State OBC (Other Backward Classes) Commission is set to launch a door-to-door online survey across the state from 10 to 23 July 2026. The exercise aims to determine OBC political representation for the upcoming panchayat and local body elections. The survey is being conducted in compliance with High Court directions requiring the Commission to gather data on the nature and implications of OBC backwardness. Based on this data, the Commission will prepare its recommendation on OBC reservation in local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions.
In a letter dated 8 July 2026, the Commission's Secretary (Advisor), Ashok Kumar Jain, wrote to the Chief Secretary requesting that officials engaged in the survey — including nodal officers, assistant nodal officers, reference persons, and enumerators — not be relieved of their current postings for transfer until the survey is completed. This request comes even as the state government's transfer ban, which had been relaxed from 19 June to 10 July 2026, allowed several departments to finalise and issue transfer lists during this period. The Commission fears that transferring survey personnel mid-exercise could disrupt data collection and delay the report.
The timeline has direct implications for panchayat elections. The State Election Commission has informed the state government that it needs at least 90 days after receiving the OBC Commission's report to complete the entire election process. Since the survey itself runs until 23 July, followed by report preparation, the panchayat election process could extend towards October 2026, well beyond the usual schedule.
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Assertion (A): Rajasthan's panchayat and local body elections may be delayed beyond the usual schedule.
Reason (R): The State OBC Commission's survey to determine OBC political representation runs until 23 July 2026, and the State Election Commission needs at least 90 days after receiving its report.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanation · Correct answer BBoth the assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. Since the OBC survey itself runs until 23 July 2026 and the State Election Commission needs at least 90 more days after receiving the Commission's report, the panchayat and local body election process is likely to extend well beyond the usual schedule, potentially towards October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Rajasthan OBC Commission's door-to-door survey take place?
The survey will run from 10 to 23 July 2026 across the state.
Why is the OBC Commission conducting this survey?
To determine OBC political representation in panchayat and local body elections, in compliance with High Court directions on collecting data about OBC backwardness.
What did the Commission's Secretary request from the Chief Secretary?
In an 8 July 2026 letter, Secretary (Advisor) Ashok Kumar Jain asked that officials engaged in the survey — nodal officers, assistant nodal officers, reference persons, and enumerators — not be relieved for transfer until the survey is complete.
How long does the State Election Commission need after receiving the OBC Commission's report?
At least 90 days to complete the entire election process.
Could panchayat elections be delayed?
Yes, given the survey and reporting timeline plus the 90-day requirement, panchayat elections could extend towards October 2026.