Ranchi, Nov. 27: In what may be called a revolutionary step, 50 per cent seats in the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Democratic) will be set aside for women, minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other backward classes.

Although the party will not have office-bearers in the district committees other than coordinators, 50 per cent of its workforce will belong to these categories, said party chief Babulal Marandi.

The JVM(D) central committee today resolved to “formally” constitute its party organisation at different levels and launch an intensive membership drive to “fight out the new challenges ahead”.

At this meeting, it was also decided to ensure proportionate representation by all sections of the society. “It is difficult for us to formulate a clear reservation policy at this moment because certain blocks may not be having the desired strength of minorities or Scheduled Tribes. But, women can easily fill 50 per cent seats everywhere. I have already announced that no one should join our party with the sole aim of contesting elections,” Marandi said.

The block- and district-level committees of the JVM will be constituted between December 1 and 10. The block committees will have 21 members and the district committees will comprise 31 members, including the coordinator or the president. Marandi has also decided to have 24 district committees and in the urban areas, the total area covered by one police station will be treated as one block.