Defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026

Why in News?

Recently, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 was defeated in the Lok Sabha as it failed to secure the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority.

What is the bill all about?

• The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 – It emerged as part of a broader legislative package aimed at restructuring India’s electoral framework through delimitation and facilitating the implementation of women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha.
• Delimitation – It refers to the redrawing of constituency boundaries to reflect changes in population, ensuring equitable representation under the democratic principle of “one person, one vote, one value.”
• Since 1976, delimitation has been frozen based on the 1971 Census to encourage population control measures, leading to significant disparities in constituency sizes.

The Delimitation Commission in India has been constituted four times (1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002)

• The Women’s Reservation framework – It is envisioned to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women, has long been a subject of political debate.
• Although the enabling legislation for women’s reservation was passed earlier, its implementation was contingent upon delimitation and a fresh Census.
• The 131st Amendment Bill sought to accelerate this process by linking delimitation to the 2011 Census, thereby paving the way for the reservation to be operational by the 2029 general elections.
• Defeat of the bill – The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 was defeated in the Lok Sabha as it failed to secure the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority, receiving 298 votes in favour and 230 against, out of 528 members present.

What are the key features of the bill?

• Delimitation based on 2011 census – It proposed redistribution of Lok Sabha seats based on population data from the 2011 Census instead of waiting for the next Census cycle.
• Expansion of lok sabha strength – The Bill envisaged increasing the total number of Lok Sabha seats from the current cap of 550 to approximately 850, to address population growth and ensure better representation.
• Linkage with women’s reservation – The Bill aimed to expedite the implementation of one-third reservation for women by tying it to the delimitation exercise.
• Uniform increase in representation – The government verbally assured that all States would witness a uniform 50% increase in seats to address concerns of regional imbalance.
• Associated legislative package – The Bill was part of a broader set of legislations, including the Delimitation Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

What are the reasons for defeat?

• Failure to achieve special majority – Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
• The Bill fell short of the required 352 votes.
• United opposition – A cohesive Opposition bloc voted against the Bill, demonstrating strategic coordination and shared concerns.
• Concerns over federal balance – Many Opposition parties feared that delimitation based on the 2011 Census would disproportionately benefit northern States with higher population growth, reducing the relative representation of southern States.
• Lack of written guarantees – The absence of explicit provisions ensuring uniform seat increases across States raised apprehensions about potential inequities.
• Linking women’s reservation with delimitation – The Opposition opposed the conditionality, arguing that women’s reservation should not be delayed or made contingent on delimitation.
• Political distrust – There was skepticism about the government’s intentions, with allegations that the move was aimed at redrawing the electoral map for political advantage.

What are the arguments of government?

• Democratic equity – It emphasized the principle of “one person, one vote, one value,” arguing that the current freeze has led to unequal representation due to population growth.
• Timely implementation of women’s reservation – The Bill was projected as a necessary step to ensure that women’s reservation is implemented by the 2029 elections.
• Addressing representation imbalance – The government highlighted disparities in constituency sizes, citing examples where some MPs represent vastly larger populations than others.
• Commitment to federal fairness – It assured that all States would see a proportional increase in seats, dismissing concerns about regional disadvantage.
• Expansion of SC/ST representation – Delimitation would also increase reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population.
• Criticism of opposition – The government accused the Opposition of engaging in political obstruction and misleading narratives, particularly regarding a supposed north-south divide.

What are the arguments of opposition?

• Delinking demand – It argued that women’s reservation should be implemented independently of delimitation to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Threat to southern states – Parties from southern India expressed concern that population-based redistribution would reduce their relative influence despite better performance in population control.
• Absence of legal safeguards – The lack of written guarantees regarding uniform seat increases across States was seen as a major flaw.
• Political motive allegations – The Bill was criticized as an attempt to manipulate constituency boundaries for electoral gains.
• Neglect of caste census – Some Opposition leaders argued that delimitation should consider updated caste data to ensure equitable representation.
• Gender justice concerns – Linking women’s reservation with delimitation was termed a “hollow attempt” that delays meaningful empowerment.

What are the current status of women representation and challenges?

• Lok sabha representation – Women currently constitute around 14–15% of the Lok Sabha, significantly below the proposed 33% reservation.
• State assemblies – Representation varies widely across States, often remaining below 10%.
• Structural barriers:
  • Patriarchal social norms
  • Limited access to political funding
  • Lack of party-level support and ticket allocation
• Political tokenism – Women candidates are often fielded in unwinnable constituencies.
• Intersectional challenges – Women from marginalized communities face compounded barriers due to caste, class, and regional disparities.
• Delay in implementation – The conditional linkage of reservation with delimitation and Census has postponed actual benefits.

What is the significance of the issue?

• Positive Aspects:
  • Strengthening democracy – Delimitation ensures equal representation and reflects demographic realities.
  • Women’s empowerment – Reservation can significantly enhance women’s participation in decision-making.
  • Inclusive governance – Increased representation of SC/ST and women can lead to more equitable policy outcomes.
  • Addressing malapportionment – Corrects disparities in constituency sizes and voter representation.
• Negative Aspects:
  • Federal imbalance risks – Population-based redistribution may disadvantage States that successfully controlled population growth.
  • Political polarization – The issue has deepened divides between political parties and regions.
  • Delay in gender justice – Linking reservation with delimitation postpones immediate benefits.
  • Administrative complexity – Large-scale delimitation and expansion of seats involve logistical and financial challenges.
  • Trust deficit – Lack of consensus undermines the legitimacy of reforms.

What can be done?

• Consensus building – A broad-based political dialogue is essential to address concerns of all stakeholders, especially States.
• Decoupling reforms – Women’s reservation should be implemented independently to ensure timely gender justice.
• Legal guarantees – Any assurances regarding uniform seat increases must be explicitly incorporated into legislation.
• Balanced delimitation formula – Consider hybrid approaches that account for both population and performance in population control.
• Strengthening institutional mechanisms – Empower the Delimitation Commission with transparency and stakeholder consultation.
• Promoting women in politics:
  • Mandate internal party quotas
  • Provide financial and training support
  • Encourage grassroots political participation
• Data-driven approach – Integrate updated Census and socio-economic data, including caste data, for equitable representation.
• Public awareness and engagement – Educate citizens on the importance of delimitation and women’s representation to build democratic consensus.

What is the procedure for amending the Indian constitution?

• Constitutional provision – Article 368 in Part XX of the Constitution deals with the power of parliament to amend the constitution and its procedures.
• Types of amendment – It states that the Parliament may amend the Constitution by way of
  • Addition,
  • Variation, or
  • Repeal, of any provision in accordance with the procedure laid down for the purpose.
• Limitations – However, the Parliament cannot amend those provisions which form the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution.
• This was ruled by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).

The Constitutional amendment bill does not require the prior approval of the president.

It can be introduced either in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.

It can be introduced by both the ministers and the private members.

It cannot be introduce in state legislatures

What lies ahead?

• In conclusion, the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, reflects the complexity of balancing democratic equity, federal principles, and gender justice.
• While the objectives of delimitation and women’s reservation are widely acknowledged as necessary, their implementation requires careful design, transparency, and political consensus to ensure that reforms strengthen rather than divide the democratic fabric of the nation.

References

The Hindu| Defeat of the Delimitation bill

The Wire| 131 CA Bill Defeated

Chintan Shivir 2026

Why In News?

Ministry of Ayush inaugurated the “Chintan Shivir 2026” in Delhi on April 2026.

• Chintan Shivir 2026 – It Gives evidence-based traditional medicine & integration with modern day healthcare systems.

Aims to - Review and assess past actions, policies & programs since 2023 Shivir, and set a guide for future Policies & Programs for the Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) sector & Plan for Vikisit Bharat 2047.

• Tradition to Translation - Focusing on evidence-based research, innovation, and global partnerships to validate traditional medicine scientifically.
  • Legal Preparedness: Discussing litigation management and regulatory frameworks to support the sector's expansion.
• Approach - Emphasizes on "whole-of-government" approach, integrating traditional knowledge with modern science.
• Globally Aligned - With the vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” & branding of “Heal in India, Heal by India.”

Major Outcome  

• Ayush Insurance Expansion - MoU was Signed between the All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) & General Insurance Council.
• Motive - To expand insurance coverage to Citizen & improve claim settlement for Ayush treatments.
• Accountability & Affordability – To ensure this a Document called ‘Revision of Benchmark Rates for Insurance Coverage of Ayush Treatments’ was released.
• Launch of Toll-Free Number - 1800-11-0008 to handle quires related to Ayush Insurance.
• Digital Reach out – Lauch of official WhatsApp channel for citizen engagement & Communication on areal time bases.

Significance for the Ayush Sector

• Budgetary Growth - Reflects in increased funding to provide world class education, research, and global infrastructure
• Primary Tool – Recognising Ayush as a primary tool for overall healthcare and managing modern lifestyle diseases & Disorders.
• Startup - To give a push for Modern innovation, digitalization, and startups within the traditional medicine ecosystem.

Reference - PIB

Green Pill Millipede

Why in News?

A new study has revealed the self‑cleaning mechanism of the green pill millipede (Arthrosphaera lutescens), demonstrating advanced hydrophobic properties similar to the ‘lotus effect’.

• Scientific Name – Arthrosphaera lutescens.
• Family – Arthrosphaeridae.
• Kingdom – Animalia.
• Habitat – Decaying organic matter and vegetable waste in moist forest ecosystems.
• Distribution – Endemic to Western Ghats, Primarily Munnar (Idukki) and Nelliampathy (Palakkad), Kerala.
• Appearance - Vibrant green, small pill-shaped body.
• Defense - Unlike other millipedes that use chemical defenses, pill millipedes (Order Sphaerotheriida) rely on rolling into an armored, impenetrable ball.
• Self-cleaning mechanism  - It has a complex surface filled with microscopic “peaks and valleys”.
• This uneven structure, along with tiny hair-like projections and a water-repellent coating, allows water droplets to bead up and roll off easily, thereby removing dirt particles and microbes.
• The mechanism closely resembles the well-known “lotus effect”, where surfaces naturally clean themselves.
• The exoskeleton acts like a highly evolved natural system that resists contamination even in muddy conditions.

• Ecological importance
  • Ecosystem Indicator – Reflects the health of the Western Ghats ecosystem.
  • Regional Variation – Colours of pill millipedes vary across Western Ghats regions.
• Scientific Importance
  • Bio-inspired design - The millipede’s surface structure could inspire new water-repellent materials for industries like textiles, coatings, and packaging.
  • Durability - Its shell is mineral-rich, lightweight, and strong, offering insights into sustainable material engineering.
• Threats - Deforestation, climate change, and human encroachment.
• Conservation value - Protecting this species preserves biodiversity and supports ongoing biomaterial research.

Reference

The Hindu | Green Pill Millipede

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Children

Why in News?

Recent studies highlight a significant rise in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among children and adolescents, with prevalence estimates ranging from 5% to 15%.

• It is a functional gastrointestinal disorder involving dysregulation of the gut–brain axis.
• These problems can cause the gut to be more sensitive and change the muscles in the bowel contract.
• Symptoms
  • Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation.
  • Bloating, flatulence, nausea, mucus in stools.
  • Symptoms often fluctuate and may improve temporarily after bowel movements.
• Rise in Children –
  • Modern diets – Low fibre, high processed food intake.
  • Lifestyle – Reduced physical activity, increased screen time.
  • Stress – Digitalisation and peer comparison amplify anxiety, disrupting the gut–brain axis.

Gut microbiota is the vast community of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea, that live within the gastrointestinal tract

• Management
  • Dietary – Low‑FODMAP diet, fibre‑rich foods, avoidance of individual triggers.

FODMAP Diet – A diet focuses on reducing a group of short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and ferment in the colon, causing gas, bloating, and pain.

• • Lifestyle – Bowel training, regular exercise, stress management, counselling.
  • Supportive – Probiotics, relaxation techniques, psychotherapy in stress‑triggered cases.
  • Awareness – Early identification prevents chronic progression into adulthood.
• Global prevalence – IBS affects 10% of the population worldwide; in India, women are 3 times more at risk.

References

1. The Hindu | IBS
2. The Hindu | IBS
3. NIDDK | IBS

National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC)

Why in News?

Recently, NBCFDC registered its highest-ever performance in FY 2025–26, achieving a record disbursement and near-complete fund utilization.

• It is a Section 8 Company mandated to undertake initiatives for the socio‑economic empowerment of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Aim – To provide concessional finance, skill development, and livelihood support to OBCs and marginalized communities.
• Incorporated on - January, 1994.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
• Implemented by – State Channelizing Agencies (SCA), Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC), Self Help Groups (SHG).
• Objectives - Economic Promotion – Promote economic and developmental activities specifically for the benefit of Backward Classes.
• Financial Assistance – Provide loans and advances for viable projects to individuals or groups based on government economic criteria.
• Educational Support – Extend loans for pursuing general, professional, vocational, or technical education at graduate and higher levels.
• Employment & Skilling – Facilitate gainful employment and upgrade technical or entrepreneurial skills through targeted development programs.
• Eligibility
  • Target Group – Must belong to Backward Classes.
  • Income Limit – Annual family income must be Rs. 3 Lakh or less.
  • Priority Group – Preference is given to those with a family income up to Rs. 1.50 Lakh.
  • Loan Specifics
    • New Swarnima (Women) – Women from backward classes with income up to Rs. 3 Lakh.
    • Education Loans – Admission to approved technical/professional courses (graduate or higher) is required.
• Coverage – OBCs, Self Help Groups, Denotified & Nomadic Tribes, students under fellowship schemes.

References

1. PIB | NBCFDC
2. NBCFDC | NBCFDC

Karnataka Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Discrimination, Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill, 2026

Why in News?

Recently, the Karnataka State Cabinet cleared the Rohith Vemula Bill, 2026, aimed at eliminating caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions.

• Aim – To safeguard the right to education and dignity of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, teaching faculty, and non‑teaching staff by institutionalising grievance redressal and penalising discriminatory practices.
• Nodal Ministry – Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Karnataka.
• Objectives - Prevent Identity‑Based Discrimination - Establish a legal framework to stop exclusion, harassment, or bias against students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other disadvantaged groups in higher education.
• Safeguard Right to Education and Dignity - Ensure that all students, faculty, and staff enjoy equal treatment and protection from discrimination, reinforcing education as a constitutional right.
• Mandatory Disclosures & Accountability - Require institutions to provide granular reporting on discrimination cases, climate risks, and mitigation measures, with third‑party verification and public access to data.
• Penalties for Non‑Compliance - Impose strict fines (up to Rs.10 lakh in Karnataka’s version) and cut government grants for institutions found guilty of discrimination or failing to comply with reporting norms.
• Institutional Mechanisms - Establish equity panels or grievance redressal committees within universities to investigate complaints and enforce accountability.
• Polluter‑Pays Principle in Education - Similar to environmental law, institutions responsible for discrimination may face compensation liabilities, ensuring justice for affected students.
• Legal Status
  • Karnataka – Cleared by Cabinet; to be tabled in Monsoon Session 2026.
  • Telangana – Cabinet sub‑committee constituted (April 2026) to draft a similar bill.
  • Legal Standing – Complements but does not replace the SC/ST Atrocities Act; focuses on higher education institutional accountability.

State Legislatures leverage the Concurrent List and Article 15(4) to create local social justice laws, and the Supreme Court now allows them to sub-classify Scheduled Castes to ensure reservation benefits.

References

1. The Hindu | Rohit Vemula Bill
2. Indian Express | Rohit Vemula Bill