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Lok Sabha Clears Women's Reservation Bill Introduction with 251 Votes

The Lok Sabha approved the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aims to enable women's reservation and facilitate delimitation. The vote followed a division demanded by the Opposition, resulting in 251 votes in favor and 185 against. The proceedings involved the use of the Automatic Vote Recorder system and subsequent vote slips, with detailed instructions provided by the Lok Sabha Secretary General. This legislative step marks a pivotal move in the long-debated policy of reserving seats for women in India's legislatures.

Key Points: Lok Sabha Approves Introduction of Women's Reservation Bill

  • Bill enables women's reservation
  • Linked to delimitation process
  • 251 MPs voted in favour
  • Opposition demanded division
  • Automatic Vote Recorder used
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Introduction of Constitution Amendment Bill cleared in LS after 251 MPs vote in favour

The Lok Sabha voted 251-185 to introduce the Constitution Amendment Bill for women's reservation and delimitation after the Opposition demanded a division.

"The votes will not be registered if the votes are kept pressed before the first gong - Lok Sabha Secretary General"

New Delhi, April 16

The introduction of the Constitution Bill, 2026, aimed at enabling women's reservation and facilitating delimitation, was approved in the Lok Sabha on Thursday following a division of votes in the House. The development came after the Opposition pressed for a recorded vote, leading to a formal division process.

Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal rose in the House to table the Bill, marking a key step in the legislative process. The introduction follows an earlier round of voting in which Members of Parliament supported bringing the Bill forward for discussion.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill 2026 and Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, were introduced.

Earlier, the Lok Sabha had voted in favour of introducing the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, after the Opposition demanded a division.

Following the use of vote slips, the distribution stood at 251 in support and 185 against, announced Speaker Om Birla, adding that it is subject to change.

The Lok Sabha typically relies on voice voting to pass motions; however, when the outcome is contested, a "division" is conducted. In such cases, the Automatic Vote Recorder system is used to register votes under "Ayes", "Noes", and "Abstain".

Subsequently, vote slips were also utilised during the proceedings after the division, with a total of 333 members casting their votes and no abstentions recorded in that round.

"If any member wishes to change the vote, they may call for voting through slips," the Lok Sabha Secretary General had earlier informed the House.

The Opposition had insisted on a division as the House took up voting on the introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill. The motion required a simple majority to be carried, and the voting process was conducted accordingly amid heightened political engagement.

Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Singh briefed the members on the functioning of the automatic vote recording system, reiterating that while voice votes are the norm, a division is invoked when demanded by members.

"The votes will not be registered if the votes are kept pressed before the first gong or if they aren't pressed simultaneously till the second gong. Members can check their vote on the individual results board," Singh said.

"If any member wishes to change the vote, they may call for voting through slips," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the process being followed transparently with a division of votes. 251 in favour shows clear support, but the 185 against is also significant. The delimitation part needs careful discussion - it will change seat numbers across states.
A
Aditya G
While I support women's reservation in principle, I hope this doesn't become another tool for political families to promote their women members. We need genuine representation, not just dynasty politics in a new form.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to read about the technical voting process - the automatic vote recorder, gongs, and vote slips. It shows our parliamentary procedures are quite robust. The opposition demanding a division ensures accountability.
M
Meera T
As a woman, I'm thrilled! But the bill linking women's reservation with delimitation is concerning. Delimitation based on population could reduce southern states' representation. Both issues should be dealt with separately for genuine consensus.
K
Karthik V
The bill is just introduced. Long way to go - it has to pass in both houses and then get ratified by states. Hope the discussion is substantive and not just political point-scoring. The country needs this reform.

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