Parliament Passes Nari Shakti Vandan Act 2023 – 33% Women’s Seat Reservation Deferred Post‑Census

The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023 was enacted in September 2023, introducing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam . The law seeks to reserve one‑third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state Vidhan Sabha for women, even in constituencies already earmarked for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. However, its activation is postponed until after the next Census and the subsequent delimitation exercise. Key Developments Parliament passed the amendment in September 2023, committing to a 33% reservation for women in both national and state legislatures. The Congress and several opposition parties demanded immediate implementation, urging that the quota be operational for the 2024 general election. Women’s rights groups criticised the government for linking the reservation to post‑Census delimitation, calling it an unnecessary delay. The ruling NDA rejected the demand, arguing that without updated demographic data, any reservation could compromise fairness and feasibility. Important Facts • The amendment reserves one‑third of seats for women, a historic step towards gender parity in legislative bodies. • The reservation applies to all constituencies, including those already reserved for SC/ST categories, ensuring comprehensive coverage. • Implementation is contingent on the completion of the 2026 Census and the ensuing delimitation , projected for 2027‑2028. UPSC Relevance The amendment illustrates the constitutional amendment process (Article 368) and the role of Parliament in enacting social reforms—core topics for GS 2 (Polity). It also highlights the intersection of gender equity policies with federal structures, as both national and state legislatures are affected. Understanding the mechanics of Census and delimitation is essential for GS 3 (Economy) and GS 2, given their impact on representation, resource allocation, and electoral politics. Way Forward • Opposition parties may intensify pressure for an interim implementation before the next Census, possibly through a parliamentary motion. • The government could consider a phased rollout, applying the reservation to newly created seats post‑delimitation while keeping existing seats unchanged. • Civil society and women’s organisations are likely to pursue legal avenues, arguing that the delay violates the spirit of the amendment. • For aspirants, tracking the progress of the 2026 Census and the delimitation commission’s report will be crucial for answering current affairs questions on gender representation and electoral reforms.