Rajasthan municipal elections limit women’s reservation to 33%

The state of Rajasthan will reserve only 33% of seats for women in upcoming municipal elections, down from the 50% previously set for both municipal and Panchayat bodies. The 2008 amendment to the Municipal Act and Panchayati Raj Act had introduced a uniform 50% reservation, but a 2010 court ruling struck down the municipal provision, leaving Panchayat reservations at 50% and reducing municipal reservations to 33%. Restoring the 50% quota would require a constitutional amendment under Article 243D, which is considered unlikely at present. Other Indian states continue to maintain a 50% reservation for women in municipal bodies.

The Election Commission has also raised the permissible election‑expense limits for candidates, increased the cap for municipal councilors, and introduced new rules requiring separate vehicle permits on polling day and banning loudspeakers at candidate offices, aiming to ensure uniform campaigning conditions.