Story perspectives

Congress Calls MPs to Debate Women's Reservation Bill

4/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Indian National Congress has mandated all Lok Sabha MPs to attend a special session from April 16 to 18.
The session will focus on the Women's Reservation Bill and the Delimitation Bill to implement one-third female representation.
The session is expected to trigger intense debates as the Congress weighs timing and southern-state representation.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Women's Reservation Act must pass by 2029.

History

Historical Context

The push for women's representation in India's Lok Sabha stems from historical efforts, notably the 1992 Constitutional Amendments mandating 33.3% reservation for women in local governance. Following the introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill in 1996, the recent passage of the 128th Constitutional Amendment Bill in September 2023, with 454 votes in favor, marks a significant step towards enhancing women's political participation and addressing gender inequality in governance.

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Story summary

The Indian National Congress has mandated all Lok Sabha MPs to attend a special session from April 16 to 18.
The session will focus on the Women's Reservation Bill and the Delimitation Bill to implement one-third female representation.
The session is expected to trigger intense debates as the Congress weighs timing and southern-state representation.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Women's Reservation Act must pass by 2029.

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