Government to Call Special Session on Women’s Reservation Bill; What Are the Preparations?

Government to Call Special Session on Women’s Reservation Bill; What Are the Preparations?

The Modi government may soon convene a special session of Parliament to pass a constitutional amendment bill aimed at implementing women’s reservation. Under the proposed amendment, the number of seats in the Lok Sabha—currently 543—would be increased to a maximum of 850 through a process of delimitation. Once the bill is passed, the path will be cleared for implementing a 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislative assemblies. According to reports, the government is confident that it has the necessary numerical strength; it expects the bill to pass with a margin of 15 to 18 votes. However, no information is currently available regarding the dates for this proposed session.