Women’s Reservation Act Amendments: Cabinet Backs 816-Seat Lok Sabha
Why in the news
On April 8, 2026, the Union Cabinet under the Prime Minister approved changes to speed up the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The quota is no longer tied to the yet-to-be-held Census, so it can apply from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Key facts
- Lok Sabha size: up 50%, from 543 to 816 seats.
- Women’s seats: 273 out of 816.
- Vertical reservation: SC and ST seats are also reserved within the women’s category.
- Census basis: boundaries to be redrawn using 2011 Census instead of waiting for the 2027 Census, which would have pushed implementation to 2034.
- Not covered: the changes apply to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, not the Rajya Sabha.
Three bills cleared
| Bill | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Amendment Bill | Amend the Adhiniyam and Articles 81 (Lok Sabha composition) and 170 (State Assemblies), which cap seat numbers |
| Delimitation Bill | Change the Delimitation Act so boundaries use 2011 data; a new Delimitation Commission expected by June 2026 |
| Union Territories Bill | Extend the reservation to Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir and Puducherry |
Federal balance
- Earlier worry: population-based delimitation could hurt southern states that curbed population growth.
- Government signal: each state’s share of seats stays the same even as totals rise, for example Uttar Pradesh’s Assembly growing past 600.
Background
- Using 2011 data allows boundaries to be redrawn immediately instead of after years of waiting for fresh Census processing.
- Reserved constituencies will rotate in successive elections, so no region stays a permanent women’s seat.
Exam angle
- Act: Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam; Articles: 81 and 170.
- Key numbers: 543 to 816 seats; 273 for women; 2011 Census; 2029 polls.
- Related terms: delimitation, vertical reservation, rotation.