Empowering 2029: Women's Reservation and the Road Ahead

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that an amendment to the Women's Reservation Act will ensure its implementation by the 2029 elections, citing delayed census as a hurdle. A special parliamentary session will discuss the amendment, aiming to bolster women's representation with 273 Lok Sabha seats reserved.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has voiced concerns over the disruption of the women's reservation timeline due to census delays, announcing amendments to ensure the law's timely effect. The 2029 general elections will see its implementation, bolstering women's representation in government, according to the chief minister.

A special three-day session of Parliament, scheduled for April, will focus on the amendment to the Women's Reservation Act, aiming to reserve 273 of the expanded 816 Lok Sabha seats for women. Fadnavis emphasized the need for swift action despite opposition resistance concerning delimitation.

Fadnavis asserted that the use of the 2011 census figures will expedite implementation, dismissing excuses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed confidence that increased women's representation will be evident in the 2029 elections, with women possibly constituting nearly 40% of the Lok Sabha.

(With inputs from agencies.)