The government plans on extending the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament to introduce bills to amend the Women’s Reservation Act and fast-track the legislation, sources said.
The Women’s Reservation Act, passed in 2023, provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, but it has yet to be implemented due to the pending delimitation exercise.
The proposed amendments to the act aim to delink its implementation from the delayed delimitation exercise currently slated for 2027-28.
Sources said the current session may extend beyond April 2 instead of adjourning to prioritise the amendments. The government has called an all-party meeting on Wednesday evening to discuss the same.
TWO-DAY SPECIAL SESSION
According to sources familiar with discussions, including meetings chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the government is weighing a dedicated two-day session within the next fortnight.
The plan is to hold a focused debate and pass the constitutional amendment needed to operationalise women’s reservation.
“April 2 is too close to complete the required groundwork. Several modalities and structural issues need clarity before the bill is taken up,” a source said.
KEY FEATURES UNDER CONSIDERATION
The proposed framework includes structural changes to ease implementation. The government is considering a 50 per cent proportionate increase in Lok Sabha seats, ensuring that no state loses its existing representation.
If cleared, it would push the number of seats in the Lok Sabha up by 50 per cent, from the existing 543 to 816, with the 273-seat increase earmarked for women.
Reserved constituencies for women may be fixed for three consecutive terms, after which rotation will be introduced. Within seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, 33 per cent quota for women is proposed.
Seat allocation within states is likely to rely on the 2011 Census data instead of future census figures to avoid delays.
WHY THE URGENCY
Government sources said the implementation process could take at least two years. Linking it to the next census cycle could push timelines beyond the 2029 Lok Sabha election.
By using the 2011 Census as the baseline, the government hopes to roll out one-third reservation for women in time for the next general election and subsequent assembly polls.
POLITICAL CALCULATIONS
As a constitutional amendment, the bill will require a two-thirds majority in Parliament, prompting outreach beyond NDA allies.
Sources said informal backchannel discussions with Congress have taken place, though opposition support remains uncertain. The Trinamool Congress has yet to spell out its position.
A potential sticking point is the demand for OBC reservation within the women’s quota. Government sources indicated this is unlikely at this stage due to its complexity and the risk of delaying the broader legislation.
STRIKING NORTH-SOUTH BALANCE
While proportional representation of states will remain unchanged, expanding seats could increase the absolute number in northern states due to larger populations. This may revive concerns over regional balance, particularly in the south.
The move is being seen as a strategic push ahead of key Assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, where women’s empowerment is expected to be a central theme.
If implemented as planned, the amendment could offer the BJP a political advantage in the run-up to these contests.
– Ends
