New Delhi: In a potentially game-changing political move, the Centre is considering fast-tracking the implementation of the women’s reservation quota to 2029—possibly bypassing the long-linked processes of census and delimitation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is leading the initiative and has already initiated discussions with leaders from several regional parties in the Opposition bloc, signalling an attempt to build wider political consensus.
The proposed shift could pave the way for 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies to come into effect by the 2029 general elections—much earlier than expected under the existing framework.
Traditionally, the rollout of the Women’s Reservation policy has been tied to the completion of a nationwide census followed by delimitation, both complex and time-intensive exercises. By exploring a way around these steps, the government appears keen to accelerate women’s political representation.
The move has triggered a mix of optimism and caution across political circles. While many see it as a bold step toward gender equality, others are questioning the legal and constitutional feasibility of delinking the quota from delimitation.
If implemented, the decision could mark a historic turning point in India’s electoral reforms and significantly reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2029 elections.
