New Delhi: The Union government has reportedly decided to keep on hold its plan to bring amendments to the women’s reservation law, sources said.
The “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam”, passed in 2023, provides 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. However, the law is set to take effect only after the completion of the population census and the delimitation exercise.
With the census expected to be completed only in 2027, questions have been raised over whether the reservation can be implemented in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. To expedite the process, the Centre was said to be considering implementation based on the 2011 census.
Under that approach, the total number of Lok Sabha seats would rise from the current 543 to 816, with 33%—about 273 seats—reserved for women. Reports now indicate that the decision to move ahead with such amendments has been paused.
The move is said to have been discussed in a Lok Sabha business advisory meeting. If required, the government may convene a special session to introduce an amendment bill, or bring it in the upcoming monsoon session, according to expectations cited in the report.
