The Centre's proposed amendments to the 2023 women's reservation bill will not only pave the way for increasing the number of female members of the Lok Sabha but also provide a roadmap to effect a similar rise in state assemblies.
According to people aware of the matter, the government is working on delinking the bill to provide 33% reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies from the ongoing census, and roll out the law from 2029 general elections.
This will involve raising the number of seats in the legislatures by 50% and increasing the number of seats in the Lok Sabha to 816, with 273 reserved for women.
The new amendment will give an effective date for the increased numbers of women in states too, with the number of seats being increased proportionately across states.
Opposition parties have welcomed the fast-tracking of the women's reservation bill but have said that any amendments to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha in the middle of election season will violate the model code of conduct.
