Union Cabinet clears draft Bill to implement Women's Reservation Act by 2029 Lok Sabha elections
The Union Cabinet has approved a draft amendment Bill to implement the Women's Reservation Act, formally known as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The amendment seeks to revise the implementation framework of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Under the proposal, the strength of the Lok Sabha is set to increase from 543 to 816 seats following a fresh delimitation exercise. Of the expanded House, 273 seats (around one-third) will be reserved for women, with vertical reservation for women within Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories. Significantly, delimitation will be based on the 2011 Census data, departing from the existing law which would await 2027 Census data. The Bill is scheduled for debate in the Budget Session from April 16-18.
Key Points
- The Union Cabinet approved a draft amendment Bill to implement the Women's Reservation Act by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
- The Lok Sabha's strength is proposed to increase from 543 to 816 seats after a new delimitation exercise.
- Approximately one-third (273) of the expanded Lok Sabha seats will be reserved for women, including vertical reservation for SC/ST women.
- Delimitation will be based on the 2011 Census, a departure from previous plans.
Exam Facts
- Act: Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam).
- Target implementation: 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
- Proposed Lok Sabha strength: 816 seats (from 543).
- Women's reservation: 273 seats (approx. one-third).
- Delimitation basis: 2011 Census.
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