• Source:JND

The Centre on Thursday introduced new amendment bills to put into action the Women’s Reservation Bill that was passed in 2023. These changes mainly focus on increasing the number of seats in the Lok Sabha and adjusting representation across states and Union Territories.The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Delimitation Bill, 2026 were introduced in a special parliamentary session.

Lok Sabha Strength To Increase To 815 Seats

Addressing the lower house, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal explained that the total strength of the Lok Sabha will be increased significantly. He said the number of seats will go up to 815, which is about a 50 per cent rise from the current strength. Meghwal said that the expansion is designed so that no state loses its existing representation.

ALSO READ: Special Parliament Session: Voting On Three Bills In Lok Sabha To Be Held At 4 PM On Friday

"There will be an equal, 50 per cent increase in the strength of Lok Sabha members, and this will translate to 815 seats, of which 272 will be reserved for women, which comes to one-third of the strength of the House. There will be no loss to anyone, and they will retain their strength," the minister said.

272 Seats To Be Reserved For Women

He also stated that out of the 815 seats, 272 will be reserved for women. Meghwal highlighted that this is exactly one-third of the total seats, in line with the Women’s Reservation Bill. He described this move as an important step toward ensuring political justice and better representation for women in the country. "The women’s reservation bill was passed in 2023, providing for implementing its provisions based on the census after 2026 and delimitation," Meghwal said.

No Reduction In Current Strentgh, Says Meghwal

Meghwal added that the implementation of women’s reservations depends on future census data and delimitation. The provisions of the bill will come into effect only after the census conducted post-2026 and the redrawing of constituencies. He further emphasised that there will be no reduction in any state’s current strength, addressing concerns that some regions might lose representation due to the changes.

While the government defended the move as necessary and fair, several opposition leaders, including AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, have raised concerns. They argued that the process is being rushed and warned that it could affect the federal balance and democratic structure of the country.

ALSO READ: Delimitation Bill 2026: Explaining South vs North Concerns, Oppn's Objection And How BJP May Get Advantage


Also In News