Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Q2. “The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 represents a structural transformation of India’s representative democracy.” Analyse its key provisions. Evaluate its implications for federal balance and political representation. Suggest safeguards to ensure equitable outcomes. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: LL
Why the question
The proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 has revived debates on delimitation, federalism and representation.Key Demand of the question
The question requires analysing how the Bill structurally transforms representative democracy through its provisions, and evaluating its implications for federal balance and political representation along with suggesting safeguards.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly highlight the significance of representation in a federal democracy and mention the transformative nature of the Bill.Body
- Key provisions of the Bill: Briefly indicate expansion of Lok Sabha, changes to Article 82 and women’s reservation linkage.
- Implications for federal balance and representation: Show tensions between demographic equality and federal equity.
- Safeguards for equitable outcomes: Suggest need for consensus, balanced formula and institutional credibility.
Conclusion
Give conclusion by ensuring a balance between democratic representation and cooperative federalism.
