Parliament's Bold Move: Women's Reservation Set to Change Lok Sabha Dynamics

The Indian government plans to reconvene Parliament in April to introduce a bill increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816, with 273 reserved for women, as part of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This move follows constitutional amendments and aims to enhance female representation post-2029 elections. Consultations continue with various political parties.

The Indian Parliament's Budget session will not adjourn on Thursday as initially planned. Instead, the government is set to reconvene it in mid-April to introduce a significant bill. This legislation proposes an increase in Lok Sabha seats to 816, of which 273 will be earmarked for women.

The move follows the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, or the women's reservation law, aiming for 33% reservation for women, to be implemented after delimitation exercises based on the 2011 census data. The government awaits Parliament's approval to enforce these changes by March 31, 2029.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has discussed the matter with some NDA constituents and select opposition leaders, although major parties like Congress and TMC are yet to be consulted. A neutral delimitation commission will oversee constituency restructuring, focusing on enhancing female political representation.

(With inputs from agencies.)