Women Reservation Bill Set to Increase Parliamentary Seats to 816
Significant Increase in Parliamentary Seats
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale announced that the total number of seats in Parliament will rise to 816 following the passage of the Women Reservation Bill. This legislation will allocate 33.4% of these seats specifically for women, including those from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Speaking to a news outlet on Thursday, he emphasized the importance of this bill in enhancing women's representation in governance.
Read More: Nitin Nabin Criticizes Women's Safety in West Bengal, Accuses Mamta Government of Neglect
The minister urged all political parties to support the bill, highlighting the necessity of including reservations for women from marginalized communities. He expressed optimism that the bill would achieve unanimous approval, as a special parliamentary session is scheduled from April 16 to 18 to facilitate its passage.
Athawale noted that the Women Reservation Bill has already been approved by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The upcoming three-day session will focus on discussions surrounding this crucial legislation. With the proposed increase, the total number of seats in Parliament will reach 543, and after adding the 273 seats designated for women, the total will rise to 816, ensuring that women hold 33.4% of the seats.
Read More: Women Reservation Bill: PM Modi's Major Initiative Before the Special Session, Government's Position to be Presented at Women's Conference
Athawale described this initiative as a historic step towards empowering women and increasing their participation in governance. He further explained that the increased number of seats will be implemented after the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, ensuring 33% reservation for women across India. He reiterated that this expanded representation will be recognized in both the Lok Sabha and subsequent assembly elections following 2029.