Major Lok Sabha expansion plan proposed by Government-850 members

Overview

The Union government has suggested that the Lok Sabha be expanded tremendously to 850 members as compared to 543. The proposal is bound to the reservation of women and a new exercise of delimitation and a draft Constitutional Amendment Bill is spread to be discussed in Parliament.

Suggested House Plan.

The plan will apportion 815 seats to the states, and 35 to the Union Territories, totalling to 850. The reforms will be implemented after the general elections in 2029. The expansion will be in a bid to make parliamentary representation more relevant to population growth and demographic changes in India.

Reservation and Political Context of Women.

The proposal assists in the adoption of the women reservation law that requires 33 percent reservation of women in legislatures. Increasing number of seats will help the government to accommodate the quota without much reduction in the current number of constituencies thus reducing political resistance.

Delimitation and Census Debate.

One of the main elements of the proposal is a new delimitation exercise, with references to the 2011 Census. Delimitation is the reallocation of seats and re-drawing of boundaries between states. Nevertheless, the opposition parties have contended that more recent Census data (2021) is to be applied in its place and this has raised the issue of fairness and representation.

Problems and Political Consequences.

The proposal has political and constitutional challenges. The parties like AAP, DMK and RJD have also demanded timing and the need to have quotas within quotas in favor of backward classes. Given that two-thirds majority and state ratification are essential for impactful Constitutional amendments, consensus will be essential.

Exam-Focused Key Points

• Lok Sabha is composed under article 81.
• Suggested size: 850 members (815 states and 35 UTs).
• Women’s reservation: 33% seats in legislatures.
• Most recent delimitation: 2002 (on basis of 2001 Census).
• Amendment must have special majority and be ratified by state.

Practice (with Answers)

Q1. What is the new strength of Lok Sabha that is proposed?
Answer: 850 members.

Q2. What is the Article that concerns the composition of Lok Sabha?
Answer: Article 81.

Q3. Why should delimitation be?
Vote: To recreate constituencies according to population changes.

Q4. How many seats do the women under the proposal own?
Answer: 33%.