New Delhi, April 2026 : The Union government on Tuesday shared with Members of Parliament the draft of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, a significant proposal that seeks to expand the strength of the Lok Sabha while paving the way for early implementation of women\u2019s reservation in legislative bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proposed amendment aims to increase the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha to 850, including representation from both States and Union Territories. According to the Bill, up to 815 members will be directly elected from constituencies in the States, while not more than 35 members will represent Union Territories, to be chosen through a mechanism decided by Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At present, the Lok Sabha comprises 543 members, including 530 from States and 20 from Union Territories, as determined by earlier delimitation exercises. The proposed expansion reflects the government\u2019s intention to adjust representation in line with demographic and political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A key feature of the Bill is the revised definition of \u201cpopulation.\u201d It empowers Parliament to decide which census data should be used as the basis for determining the allocation of seats. This change provides flexibility in deciding the population benchmark for delimitation, rather than automatically linking it to the most recent census.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The amendment also proposes changes to Article 82 of the Constitution. It removes the earlier condition of seat allocation being tied strictly to the completion of each census and instead introduces a broader framework for seat distribution. Additionally, the Bill formally incorporates the role of the Delimitation Commission, specifying that seat allocation will be carried out \u201cin such manner and on the basis of such census\u201d as determined by the Commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another major objective of the amendment is to enable early implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. The proposed changes aim to delink the rollout of the quota from the 2027 Census and instead base it on the 2011 Census, making it possible to implement the reservation ahead of the 2029 general elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bill also outlines provisions for rotation of reserved seats among constituencies and specifies the duration for which the reservation will remain in force, subject to extension by Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier in the day, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasised that the amendment should not be politicised. He urged all parties to support the legislation unanimously, stating that women\u2019s reservation is a matter of national importance rather than political debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rijiju highlighted that the original Women\u2019s Reservation Act had received unanimous support in Parliament and called for a similar consensus on the constitutional amendment needed for its implementation. He reiterated the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rise above party lines in advancing women\u2019s empowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To take the process forward, the government has convened a special three-day session of Parliament from April 16 to April 18 to deliberate on and pass the amendment Bill. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a three-line whip to its MPs in both Houses, directing them to be present throughout the session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If passed, the amendment is expected to significantly reshape India\u2019s parliamentary structure while marking a major step toward enhancing women\u2019s representation in governance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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