Why in the News?
- The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 was defeated in Lok Sabha after failing to secure the required special majority.
Voting Outcome
- Votes in favour: 298
- Votes against: 230
- Required (2/3rd majority): 352
- Result: Bill failed
What the Bill Proposed
- Increase Lok Sabha strength:
- From 543 → ~850 seats
- Delimitation based on:
- 2011 Census
- Enable:
- 33% women’s reservation
- Linked Bills:
- Delimitation Bill
- Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill
Aftermath
- Government:
- Withdrew related delimitation Bills
- Debate continues on:
- Women’s reservation
- Electoral restructuring
Key Issues in Debate
1. Women’s Reservation Linkage
- Government: Wanted reservation after delimitation
- Opposition: Demanded immediate implementation without delimitation
2. Federal Concerns
- Fear among some States: Loss of representation
- Debate over: North–South balance
3. Delimitation Controversy
- Based on: Latest population data
- Raises concern: Impact on states with lower population growth
Government’s Argument
- Based on principle: One person, one vote, one value
- Concern: Unequal constituency sizes due to 1971 freeze
Constitutional Requirement
- Constitutional Amendment Bill needs:
- Special majority
- Two-thirds of members present and voting
| [2022] Consider the following statements: 1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the Président of India. 2. When a Constitution Amendment Bill is presented to the President of India, it is obligatory for the President of India to give his/her assent. 3. A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha by a special majority and there is no provision for joint sitting. Which of the statements given above are correct? [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3 |
