Women Reservation Bill: Lok Sabha seats to increase

Union Government prepares bills to expand Lok Sabha for women reservation

Centre moves to implement women’s quota

The Union government is initiating steps to implement reservation for women in legislatures. It is planning to introduce two bills during the ongoing Parliament session to enable one-third reservation for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

The move is part of the broader framework approved under the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam” during the special Parliament session last September.

Proposal to increase Lok Sabha strength

As per the proposal under consideration, the total number of Lok Sabha seats will be increased from 543 to 816. The additional 273 seats are proposed to be allocated entirely to women.

This approach is being considered to ensure that the reservation is implemented without affecting existing sitting Members of Parliament.

Delimitation based on 2011 Census

The original provision required fresh Census data and delimitation before implementing the quota. However, to avoid delays, the Centre has decided to proceed using the 2011 Census data.

For this, the government is preparing a Constitutional Amendment Bill along with a separate delimitation-related bill. This change is aimed at ensuring that the reservation can be implemented within the planned timeline.

Political consultations underway

Since a Constitutional Amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses, the government has initiated consultations with various political parties. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is leading the discussions.

Meetings have been held with NDA allies and parties such as YSRCP, BJD, and Samajwadi Party. Congress and Trinamool Congress did not attend these meetings. Some parties, including Congress and Samajwadi Party, have raised demands for an OBC sub-quota within the women’s reservation.

Impact on state-wise representation

If implemented, the proposal will significantly increase Lok Sabha seats across states. Uttar Pradesh is expected to see an increase from 80 to 120 seats, while Bihar may rise from 40 to 60.

Kerala’s seats may increase from 20 to 30, Andhra Pradesh from 25 to 38, and Telangana from 17 to 26. The Centre has indicated that increasing seats by 50 percent across states is intended to address concerns related to representation.

Increase in SC and ST reserved seats

The number of reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will also increase proportionately. SC seats are expected to rise from 84 to 126, while ST seats may go up from 47 to 70.

The government is aiming to secure passage of the bills during the current Budget session, which is scheduled to conclude on April 4. If required, a special Parliament session may be convened to pass the legislation.

Context

The move is part of ongoing legislative and welfare efforts by the government, including recent initiatives focused on financial support and social protection measures for citizens.