On April 12, 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a strict three-line whip to all its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament, mandating their continuous presence during the three-day special Parliament session scheduled from April 16 to 18, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wrote letters to floor leaders of both Houses emphasising the significance of the session. The session is an extension of the Budget Session and its central agenda is the amendment of the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, popularly known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. The Union Cabinet on April 8 cleared draft bills seeking to de-link the implementation of the women's quota from the pending delimitation exercise based on the 2027 Census. Under the proposed amendments, reservation would instead be operationalised on the basis of the 2011 Census, with the Lok Sabha strength increased from the present 543 seats to 816 seats, of which 273 seats (approximately one-third) would be reserved for women. The new framework is designed to come into force by March 31, 2029, ensuring that the women's quota applies in the next general elections to the Lok Sabha and to the assembly elections of Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Andhra Pradesh. The whip notice stated, "All Hon'ble Union Ministers and Members are requested to remain present in the House throughout all the three above-mentioned dates; presence in the House is mandatory." The government will require a two-thirds majority for the Constitutional Amendment Bill to pass both Houses.
BJP Issues Three-Line Whip for Special Parliament Session April 16-18 on Women's Reservation Amendment
BJP issued a three-line whip on April 12, 2026 for all its MPs to attend the April 16-18 special Parliament session, which will take up amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to implement women's reservation by 2029 using 2011 Census, with Lok Sabha strength increased to 816 seats and 273 seats reserved for women.
Key facts
- BJP issued three-line whip on April 12, 2026 for MPs to attend April 16-18 Parliament special session
- Session will amend Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (128th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023)
- Amendment seeks to de-link women's quota from 2027 Census-based delimitation, use 2011 Census instead
- Lok Sabha seats to be raised from 543 to 816, with 273 (about one-third) reserved for women
- Implementation target is March 31, 2029, covering next general elections
- Constitutional amendment requires two-thirds majority in both Houses
Mains angle
Q: Examine the constitutional significance of the proposed amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam for implementing women's reservation using the 2011 Census and increasing Lok Sabha strength to 816 seats.
Answer (50 words):
The BJP issued a three-line whip for the April 16-18, 2026 special Parliament session to amend the Constitution's 106th Amendment Act. Proposed changes de-link women's reservation from the 2027 Census, using the 2011 Census instead, expanding Lok Sabha to 816 seats with 273 reserved for women, targeting implementation by March 2029.
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Under the proposed amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam discussed in the April 16-18, 2026 Parliament special session, what will be the total strength of the Lok Sabha?
The draft amendments cleared by the Cabinet propose to increase the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816 seats, with 273 seats (approximately one-third) reserved for women, using 2011 Census data rather than waiting for delimitation based on the 2027 Census.
Source: The Week / ANI
Frequently asked questions
Which constitutional amendment introduced women's reservation in India?
The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, originally introduced as the 128th Amendment Bill and known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, provides for one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Why is the April 16-18 special Parliament session needed?
To amend the 2023 Act so that the women's quota can be implemented by the 2029 general elections based on 2011 Census data, rather than waiting for delimitation based on the pending 2027 Census.
How many seats will be reserved for women under the proposed amendment?
The Lok Sabha will be expanded from 543 to 816 seats, with 273 seats (one-third) reserved for women.
What kind of majority is needed to pass this bill?
As a Constitutional Amendment Bill, it requires a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in each House of Parliament.
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