Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill Defeated in Lok Sabha; Govt Vows to Persist

New Delhi, Apr 17: In a significant political development, a Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures ahead of the 2029 general elections was defeated in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

The proposed legislation, titled the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, also sought to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from the existing 543 seats to 816. The expansion was intended to facilitate the implementation of women’s reservation through a fresh delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census.

Despite strong backing from the government, the bill failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. Out of 528 members who participated in the मतदान, 298 MPs voted in favour, while 230 opposed it. The bill needed at least 352 votes to be passed.

Calling the outcome a setback, the ruling dispensation reiterated its commitment to ensuring greater political representation for women. Government leaders asserted that the fight for women’s rights and equitable participation in governance would continue, signaling that the issue remains a priority on the legislative agenda.

The defeat of the bill highlights ongoing political divisions over electoral reforms and reservation policies, even as the demand for increased representation of women in legislative bodies continues to gain traction across the country.