WomenReservation – Government Plans Early Rollout with Lok Sabha Expansion Proposal
WomenReservation – The Union government is working on a plan to modify the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam so that its provisions can be put into effect before the 2029 general elections. According to sources familiar with the matter, the proposal also includes a substantial increase in the number of seats in the Lok Sabha, alongside efforts to secure wider political agreement.
Push for Legislative Changes During Budget Session
Officials indicate that the Centre aims to introduce the amendment bill during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, which is scheduled to conclude on April 2. The move is seen as part of a broader strategy to accelerate the implementation of women’s reservation without waiting for procedural requirements currently outlined in the law.
At the same time, discussions with opposition parties have reportedly begun, with the government seeking to build consensus around both the amendments and the proposed expansion of parliamentary seats. These consultations are expected to play a key role in ensuring smoother passage of the bill.
Proposed Expansion of Lok Sabha Seats
Under the emerging framework, the total strength of the Lok Sabha could rise significantly from the current 543 seats to approximately 816. This increase is being considered in line with population changes and representation needs.
Out of the expanded number of seats, around 273 are expected to be reserved for women. This aligns with the one-third reservation requirement already mandated under the existing legislation. The increase in total seats is intended to accommodate reservations without reducing representation for other categories.
Background of the Women’s Reservation Law
The Women’s Reservation Act was passed in 2023 through a constitutional amendment, guaranteeing 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Delhi Assembly. However, its actual implementation has remained pending due to specific conditions built into the law.
At present, the Act requires that reservations come into force only after the completion of the next Census and a subsequent delimitation exercise. Since neither of these processes has been completed, the rollout has been delayed.
Plan to Bypass Census-Linked Delay
Sources suggest that the government is now exploring a legal route to bypass the requirement of waiting for a new Census. One of the key ideas under consideration is to use data from the 2011 Census as the basis for fresh delimitation. This approach could significantly reduce delays and allow the reservation system to be implemented sooner.
To enable this shift, amendments would be required in Section 5 of the Act, which currently links reservation to post-Census delimitation. Making such a change would involve a constitutional amendment, requiring approval under Article 368 of the Constitution.
This means the proposal would need the support of a majority of the total membership in both Houses of Parliament, along with a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
Political Outreach and Opposition Response
In parallel with internal planning, political outreach efforts have intensified. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge recently wrote to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, suggesting that an all-party meeting be convened to discuss the implementation roadmap.
This indicates that while there is broad support for the idea of women’s reservation, differences may exist regarding the timeline and method of execution. The government’s consultations are expected to address these concerns and create a unified approach.
A Step Toward Greater Representation
If the proposed amendments are passed, the changes could mark a significant shift in India’s parliamentary structure and gender representation. By advancing the timeline and expanding seat capacity, the government aims to ensure that the long-pending promise of greater participation for women in legislative bodies becomes a reality sooner rather than later.