Nagaland’s Lok Sabha MP, Supongmeren Jamir, has expressed strong concern over the proposed linking of the delimitation process with the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act under the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023.
Jamir said he fully supported the objective of providing adequate reservation for women in legislative bodies. However, MP said the progressive reform should not be delayed or complicated by procedural conditions such as delimitation.
He stressed that the Women’s Reservation Act must be implemented in both letter and spirit without unnecessary postponement.
Referring to Articles 82 and 170(3) of the Constitution, the MP pointed out that delimitation could only be carried out after the first Census figures were published after 2026.
He argued that any premature linkage between the two processes raised serious constitutional and procedural concerns.
Jamir also highlighted that in the context of the North Eastern region, including Nagaland, any change in parliamentary representation must respect existing political arrangements and agreements, particularly the Framework Agreement and Agreed Positions signed between the Naga groups and the Government of India.
He cautioned that an Act of Parliament must not result in injustice to any region or community.
MP said the proposed approach in its current form risked undermining the Government of India’s declared policy commitments regarding the Naga political settlement and raised questions about fair population-to-representation ratios.
Jamir stated that the current situation reflected a lack of urgency and seriousness in implementing women’s reservation despite the Act already being in place.
MP, therefore, strongly urged the government to reconsider the present approach and either withdraw or revise the Bill after thorough consultation with all stakeholders.
Saturday, April 18, 2026