<p>The <strong>Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026</strong> was introduced and passed in the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Lok Sabha — the lower house of India’s Parliament, whose members are directly elected and hold significant legislative powers (GS2: Polity)">Lok Sabha</span> on <strong>16 April 2026</strong>. The amendment seeks to operationalise the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Women’s reservation law — a constitutional provision reserving a certain percentage of seats for women in legislatures, intended to enhance gender representation (GS2: Polity)">women’s reservation</span> framework so that it is effective for the upcoming <strong>2029 Lok Sabha election</strong>. The motion was carried with <strong>251 votes in favour</strong> and <strong>185 against</strong>, after a sharp debate between the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Treasury benches — members of Parliament who support the government and its policies (GS2: Polity)">Treasury benches</span> and the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Opposition — parties or members in Parliament who do not support the government and critique its policies (GS2: Polity)">Opposition</span>.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>The Bill proposes amendments to the existing <span class="key-term" data-definition="Women’s reservation law — a constitutional provision reserving a certain percentage of seats for women in legislatures, intended to enhance gender representation (GS2: Polity)">women’s reservation</span> law, aiming for full implementation by the 2029 elections.</li> <li>Parliamentary voting outcome: <strong>251</strong> members supported the amendment, while <strong>185</strong> opposed it.</li> <li>The debate highlighted divergent views on the pace of gender‑quota implementation and its impact on electoral politics.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Bill Name:</strong> Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026.</li> <li><strong>Date of Passage:</strong> 16 April 2026.</li> <li><strong>Target Election:</strong> 2029 Lok Sabha election.</li> <li><strong>Vote Share:</strong> 251‑185 in favour.</li> <li>The amendment is part of a broader agenda to improve women’s representation in legislative bodies.</li> </ul> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>Understanding this amendment is crucial for GS Paper II (Polity) as it deals with constitutional amendment procedures, reservation policy, and the dynamics between the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Treasury benches — members of Parliament who support the government and its policies (GS2: Polity)">Treasury benches</span> and the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Opposition — parties or members in Parliament who do not support the government and critique its policies (GS2: Polity)">Opposition</span>. The move also touches upon gender equity, a recurring theme in GS Paper IV (Ethics) and GS Paper III (Society). Candidates should note the legislative process, voting arithmetic, and the polic