New Delhi, Mar 23: The government is preparing to operationalize the long-awaited Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

Though the law was passed earlier, its implementation had been pending. Now, the Centre is set to bring an amendment bill to ensure women’s reservation becomes effective by the 2029 general elections.

According to sources, the amendment will be based on the 2011 Census, which will also lead to an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats. The strength of the House will rise from 543 to 816, of which 273 seats will be reserved for women. This expansion is expected to reshape parliamentary representation and enhance women’s participation in governance.

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The original law, passed in 2023, mandated one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Assemblies. However, it was linked to the completion of a new census and delimitation exercise. With the amendment, the government aims to fast-track the process and ensure that women’s reservation is implemented without further delay.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already initiated consultations with opposition leaders. Reports suggest he has spoken to leaders from smaller parties such as Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) and NCP (Sharad Pawar group). In the coming days, discussions will extend to the Congress and other major opposition parties to build consensus around the constitutional amendment.

The law provides for inclusive reservation, meaning Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes women will also benefit within the 33% quota. However, there is no separate sub-quota for them; their representation will be ensured within the overall reserved seats.

Political analysts say the move could be a landmark in Indian democracy, significantly increasing women’s presence in legislative bodies. With 273 seats reserved in the Lok Sabha alone, women’s voices will carry greater weight in shaping national policy.