Lok Sabha Seats Set to Increase; Women to Receive Reservation Starting 2029... Government to Introduce Amendment Bill

The government had previously introduced the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' (Women's Reservation Bill) to reserve 33 percent of seats for women in both the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Despite the passage of this bill, the reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies has not yet been implemented. Now, the government is preparing to implement this law and reserve seats for women as soon as possible.

Based on the 2011 Census, the number of Lok Sabha seats could rise to 816, of which 273 seats could be reserved for women.

To grant reservation to women, the government will now introduce an amendment bill in Parliament. This bill will include a provision to use the 2011 Census as the basis for the delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies and for increasing the number of seats. Following the passage of this amendment bill, the number of Lok Sabha seats is set to increase from the current 543 to 816 under the new delimitation exercise. In a Lok Sabha comprising 816 members, 273 seats will be reserved for women.

It is noteworthy that the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam'—which was passed by both Houses of Parliament—contained a stipulation that it would come into effect only after a new census and subsequent delimitation exercise were completed. However, sources now indicate that the government intends to introduce an amendment to the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' bill this week. This amendment is being introduced specifically to ensure that women's reservation can be implemented in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Preparations Underway for a Constitutional Amendment

In addition to amending the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam', the government is also preparing to introduce a Constitutional Amendment. This Constitutional Amendment is being brought forward to enable the increase of Lok Sabha seats—based on the 2011 Census data—and to facilitate the implementation of women's reservation in the 2029 general elections. Based on the 2011 Census, the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha could be increased from 543 to 816 for the 2029 elections. Of these, 273 seats could be reserved for women. Home Minister Holds Talks with Opposition Leaders

Summary 

The government has initiated discussions with leaders of opposition parties regarding this matter. Home Minister Amit Shah has held talks with leaders of opposition parties—such as the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction)—concerning amendments to the Women's Reservation Bill. Initially, the Home Minister engaged in discussions with leaders of smaller opposition parties. Talks with leaders of major opposition parties, such as the Congress, and other large political groups are yet to take place.