Aiming towards equal representation and gender inclusivity in local governance, the Uttar Pradesh government has now announced the reservations list for chairpersons and mayors of urban local bodies in various districts. According to the list, 6 out of 17 mayoral positions, including those in Lucknow, Kanpur and Ghaziabad among other districts, have been reserved exclusively for female candidates.

This is being done consecutively for the second time, and through this, the proportion of the women candidates who will contest in the local body polls is expected to surge by 5%.

In addition, 8 out of 17 mayoral positions of UP districts have been kept unreserved while the remaining have been designated for backwards castes. The decision focusses towards providing equal opportunities and representation to all sections of society, in accordance with the principles of social justice and inclusion.