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Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 to Raise Lok Sabha Strength to 850, Delimitation Based on 2011 Census to Operationalise Women’s Reservation

PolitySocial IssuesCORE
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
14 Apr 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:Lok Sabha strength 850States' seats 815UTs' seats 35Reservation validity 15 years
Bodies:ParliamentDelimitation CommissionSupreme CourtElection Commission of IndiaState Election Commissions
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What This Article Covers

1.Three Bills introduced to operationalise women's reservation by linking it to delimitation based on the 2011 Census and increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850.

2.The move lifts the decades-old freeze on seat readjustment (based on 1971 Census) and amends Article 81, potentially altering state-wise seat distribution and parliamentary majorities.

3.Examiners will focus on the constitutional articles involved (81, 82), the role of the Delimitation Commission, and the political implications of seat redistribution between states.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The government has tabled a landmark legislative package to operationalise the long-pending women's reservation by ending the constitutional freeze on seat readjustment. This involves increasing Lok Sabha strength to 850 seats and conducting delimitation based on the 2011 Census, which will trigger the 33% quota for women in legislatures. This is a major structural reform with significant electoral and federal implications.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Lok Sabha Strength (Proposed)850 seats (815 States + 35 UTs)
Amendment BillConstitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026
Census Basis for Delimitation2011 Census (subject to Parliament law)
Women's Reservation Validity15 years (with Parliament extension)
Previous Freeze BasisLok Sabha: 1971 Census; Assemblies: 2001 Census

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Lok Sabha Strength (Proposed): 850 seats (815 States + 35 UTs)
  • ›Amendment Bill: Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026
  • ›Target this Data: Lok Sabha strength proposed at 850 (815 States + 35 UTs).
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Delimitation Commission headed by a Supreme Court Judge.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Amendment to Article 81 and Article 82 of the Constitution.

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

As per the proposed Delimitation Bill, 2026, who will head the Delimitation Commission?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the legislative package for women's reservation:

1. It proposes to increase the total strength of the Lok Sabha to 850 seats.

2. The delimitation exercise will be based on the population figures of the 2031 Census.

3. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to amend Article 81 of the Constitution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

As per the government's proposal, what will be the new strength of elected members from States in the Lok Sabha?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary constitutional change proposed to operationalise women's reservation and fresh delimitation?

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Next Special Session (April 16-18) to Discuss Bill Amending Constitution (128th Amendment) 2023 for Women's Reservation Linked to 2011 Census Delimitation
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