New Delhi, The Women Reservation Act 2023, which grants 33% quota to women in legislatures, has come into force from April 16, 2026, ahead of voting on its amendment in the Lok Sabha.
The move is seen as crucial to operationalize the proposed amendment being discussed in Parliament, as the constitution amendment Bill became a law but did not become part of the Constitution without being brought into force.
The 2023 act was notified with effect from April 16 in the midst of the debate in Parliament to amend the same law for its implementation in 2029.
However, the reservation for women cannot be implemented in the current House, as it requires a delimitation exercise based on the next Census, which is expected to be completed by 2027.
The act provides for the reservation of one-third of seats for women in Lok Sabha and state legislative Assemblies, but the reservation would not become enforceable before 2034.
The government has brought in three bills - 'The Constitution Bill, 2026', 'The Delimitation Bill, 2026' and 'The Union Territories Laws , 2026' - to implement the women quota in 2029.
