The Centre introduced three Bills to fast-track 33% women’s reservation under Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, enabling implementation by 2029 by delinking it from Census and delimitation, while proposing expanded Lok Sabha representation
The Union Law Ministry has notified the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, which provides a 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures, effective from April 16, 2026. Parliament had passed the landmark Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in September 2023, but its implementation is tied to the completion of the delimitation exercise after the 2027 Census.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all political parties to support amendments needed to implement the Women’s Reservation Act by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, calling it a collective national sentiment and stressing women’s role in strengthening democracy and development
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is close to a historic decision on implementing the Women’s Reservation Act by 2029. Addressing a gathering, he highlighted women’s growing role in governance and urged participation ahead of Parliament’s special session
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is not just about women’s reservation but a shift in mindset towards inclusive governance. Speaking at Vigyan Bhawan, she said it strengthens democracy by enhancing women’s leadership and participation.
The Supreme Court will hear a plea on April 13 seeking immediate enforcement of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which mandates one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. The hearing coincides with Parliament’s special session beginning April 16, where the Women’s Reservation (Amendment) Bill is expected to be tabled.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for rushing implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, alleging political motives. He demanded an all-party meeting on delimitation, warning lack of consultation undermines democratic consensus ahead of the special Parliament session
The Union Cabinet has approved draft bills to implement the Women's Reservation Act before the 2029 parliamentary elections. The proposals include raising Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, with 273 reserved for women, and extending the law to Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry.
The Bill mandates the reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha. As per the amendment, one-third of the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha will be reserved for women.
