Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill 2026: Key Provisions
Why in the news
The Bill acts as a bridge. Without it, seat increases and women’s reservation would cover only full states, leaving a legal gap in Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu & Kashmir.
Key facts
- Women’s quota: puts the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam into effect with 33% reservation in the three UT assemblies.
- Lok Sabha seats for UTs: raised from 20 to 35 through the constitutional change.
- Linked laws: the 131st Constitutional Amendment and the Delimitation Bill, 2026.
Policy shifts
| Feature | What changes |
|---|---|
| Census basis | The usual wait for a fresh census is removed; the 2011 Census is used |
| Delimitation | The Delimitation Commission of 2026 may redraw assembly constituencies in these UTs |
| Rotation | Women’s seats shift to other constituencies in successive elections |
Significance
- Brings UT governance in line with the national plan to expand Parliament.
- Gives uniform treatment to UTs that have their own legislatures.
Exam angle
- UTs covered: Delhi, Puducherry, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Numbers: 33%, 20 to 35 seats, 2011 Census.
- Enabling for: 131st Constitutional Amendment.