New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved a draft amendment Bill this week to operationalize the Women’s Reservation Act by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PTI reported, citing sources.
The government has extended the budget session of Parliament, and a special three-day sitting will be held from April 16 to 18, where the amendment bill is expected to be passed.
The women’s reservation bill — that will pave the way for the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies — is a reflection of the aspirations of crores of women across India, PM Modi said.
“It is a reflection of the aspirations of crores of women across India. It is an affirmation of a principle that has long guided our civilisational ethos, that society progresses when women progress", the PM said.
He opined that the lack of female representation in politics and legislative bodies is unfortunate, adding that when women participate in administration and decision-making, they bring with them experiences and insights that enrich public discourse and improve the quality of governance.
According to the broad contours available, the number of Lok Sabha seats would be increased from the present 543 to 816, with 273 seats reserved for women. The reservation will also be done on a “vertical basis” with seats allocated for SCs and STs.
Once approved by Parliament, the proposed law will come into force on March 31, 2029, and will help reserve seats in the next Lok Sabha elections and assembly elections in Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Andhra Pradesh.
