Odisha to move SC on reservation in urban civic bodies

Bhubaneswar, June 13 (IANS) Elections to the Urban Local Bodies in Odisha are likely to be delayed as the state government has decided to move the Supreme Court against the High Court order that reservation of seats for SCs, STs and other categories should not exceed 50 per cent.

The elections to the ULBs are due this year and the state government has already initiated official process for the purpose.

Municipal Administration Director Sangramjit Nayak said the state government has decided to move the Supreme Court and file a Special Leave Petition challenging the verdict of Orissa High Court.

"During analysis of reservation status of SC, ST and Backward Class of Citizens of 113 ULBs, it is seen that 55 ULBs have crossed the limit of 50 per cent of reservation of seats. A similar situation also arises regarding the reservation of office of Mayor for municipal corporations.

"No percentage is fixed for reservation of seats for ST and SC candidates. BCC reservation is 27 per cent. ST and SC reservation is based on their population. Hence at many places, it goes above 50 per cent. It's not fixed. It all depends on the population at the particular place or area," he said.

He said the State Election Commission had ordered for due completion of delimitation of wards and reservation of seats.

"Our election process is still on. Whatever the Supreme Court verdict will pronounce, action will be taken accordingly," said Nayak.