Big Move Before 2029 Polls: Govt Plans 816 Lok Sabha Seats, 33% Women Quota via 2011 Census

The government is preparing to implement women’s reservation prior to the 2029 elections by conducting a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 census. Lok Sabha seats could increase to 816, with 33% reserved for women.

Post Published By: Karan Sharma

Updated : 24 March 2026, 12:38 AM IST

Centre Pushes Delimitation Using 2011 Census Ahead of 2029 Polls (Image Source: Internet)

New Delhi: The Central Government is preparing to implement 33% reservation for women before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. To this end, the government is considering introducing a constitutional amendment bill, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

Significant Increase in the Number of Seats

According to the proposal, the number of Lok Sabha seats could be increased from 543 to 816. Of these, 273 seats would be reserved for women. This implies that women's representation in Parliament would increase significantly.

Delimitation to be Based on the 2011 Census

The government intends to utilize data from the 2011 census for the delimitation exercise. This would allow the process to move forward without having to wait for the next census to be conducted.

Efforts to Maintain Balance Among States

The government will ensure that the ratio of seats remains balanced across all states. Particularly in light of concerns raised by the southern states, the plan is to maintain a balanced distribution of seats, similar to the existing arrangement.

Increase in Assembly Seats Also Possible

This proposal may also include provisions to increase the number of seats in state legislative assemblies, thereby ensuring that representation keeps pace with the growing population.

What Was the Previous Rule?

According to the Constitution, the next delimitation exercise was scheduled to be conducted based on the first census to be held after 2026. However, the government now seeks to implement this sooner, utilizing data from 2011.

Why is This Step Necessary?

As per the Women's Reservation Act passed in 2023, a census followed by delimitation was a prerequisite for implementation. However, due to delays in conducting the census, the implementation process was taking considerable time. The government now aims to bring this into effect before 2029.

Dialogue with the Opposition Underway

A two-thirds majority in Parliament is required to enact this major change. Consequently, the government is engaged in continuous dialogue with opposition parties.

If this proposal is passed, women's participation in the 2029 elections could witness a historic surge, potentially ushering in a major transformation in Indian politics.