New Delhi/Alive News: The Central government is considering convening a special session of Parliament to pass a Constitutional amendment aimed at implementing 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Government sources are confident that the proposed bill could secure the required support in the Lok Sabha by a margin of 15 to 18 votes.
However, the dates and duration of the proposed session have not yet been announced.
The government needs at least 361 votes to pass the Constitutional amendment, which requires a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. The House has a sanctioned strength of 543 members, with three seats currently vacant.
Proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats to 850
The proposed amendment includes a plan to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from the existing 543 seats to a maximum of 850 through delimitation. The expansion is intended to facilitate the implementation of 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
Earlier amendment failed in Lok Sabha
The government’s fresh move comes after a similar Constitutional amendment bill failed to secure the required majority in the Lok Sabha on April 17 during a special sitting of the Budget Session. The government is now preparing to bring the proposal back, with sources expressing confidence about having the necessary numbers.
Parliament session could be called at short notice
The government may be able to convene Parliament at short notice because the Monsoon Session, which ended on August 13, has not yet been formally prorogued.
According to parliamentary procedures, an extended sitting of the existing session can be called with at least two days’ notice. However, a completely new session requires a minimum notice period of 14 days.
The government could use the existing session to introduce the amendment without waiting for the longer notice period.
