NEW DELHI, Nov 12: The Centre is considering convening a special session of Parliament to pass a constitutional amendment Bill aimed at paving the way for reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
The government is confident of securing 15 to 18 votes more than the required majority to pass the Bill, sources said.
No formal announcement has been made on the dates of the special session, the specific provisions of the Bill or the parliamentary schedule.
Parliament passed the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act in 2023, providing for 33 per cent reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Its implementation, however, is linked to the census and delimitation process.
On April 17 this year, a constitutional amendment Bill linking delimitation with the implementation of women’s reservation failed to secure the required two-thirds support in the Lok Sabha.
A constitutional amendment Bill requires a special majority in both Houses of Parliament. The government is continuing consultations with various political parties to secure the required support, sources said.
The government has not announced the proposed changes in the Bill, when the reservation will take effect, or how it will be linked to delimitation.
