Republic Day 2026: How was the Constitution amended in PM Modi’s second term

India, a vibrant democracy built on the principles of social justice and equality, has consistently used constitutional amendments as a dynamic tool to adapt its foundational law to evolving societal needs. Since independence, the Constitution has undergone numerous changes to further the cause of inclusive governance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term, commencing in 2019, has witnessed several significant amendments aimed at enhancing representation for marginalized communities and women, reflecting a continued commitment to affirmative action. One of the most crucial amendments was the **104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019**. This Act extended the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for another ten years, until January 25, 2030. This extension, rooted in **Article 334** of the Constitution, underscores the ongoing need for affirmative action to ensure adequate representation for these historically disadvantaged groups. While the original intention was for reservations to last ten years from the commencement of the Constitution in 1950, subsequent amendments have repeatedly extended this period, acknowledging that the goal of full social and economic equality has not yet been achieved. Significantly, the 104th Amendment also abolished the provision for the nomination of two Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha (under **Article 331**) and one Anglo-Indian member to state legislative assemblies (under **Article 333**). This decision was based on the premise that the Anglo-Indian community is now adequately represented and integrated into mainstream society, making the special nomination provision redundant. The **105th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2021**, addressed a critical aspect of federalism and social justice concerning Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This amendment restored the power of state governments to identify and specify 'Socially and Educationally Backward Classes' (SEBCs) for the purpose of their state lists. The need for this amendment arose after the Supreme Court's judgment in the *Maratha reservation case* (Dr. Jaishri Laxmanrao Patil v. The Chief Minister, Maharashtra, 2021), which interpreted the **102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018**, as having deprived states of their power to identify SEBCs. The 102nd Amendment had inserted **Articles 338B** (National Commission for Backward Classes) and **342A** (power of President to notify SEBCs and Parliament to amend the list). The 105th Amendment clarified that **Article 342A (3)** explicitly allows states and Union Territories to prepare their own lists of SEBCs, thereby upholding the federal structure and ensuring states retain autonomy in defining their reservation policies for OBCs, crucial for local contexts and demands. Perhaps the most impactful amendment in terms of sheer demographic reach is the **106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023**, famously known as the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam'. This landmark legislation provides for a 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It introduces new articles **330A** (reservation for women in Lok Sabha), **332A** (reservation for women in State Legislative Assemblies), and **334A** (implementation clause). This amendment is a monumental step towards gender parity in political representation, a cause long championed by women's rights activists and various political parties. While passed with overwhelming consensus, the implementation of women's reservation is tied to two conditions: the completion of the next census and the subsequent delimitation exercise. This means its practical effect on electoral politics is likely several years away, but its symbolic and legislative significance is immediate and profound. These amendments collectively represent significant policy shifts with far-reaching implications for India. The extension of SC/ST reservations reinforces the state's commitment to inclusive development and addressing historical injustices. The restoration of states' powers regarding OBC lists strengthens federalism and decentralizes decision-making on social policy, allowing for greater responsiveness to regional needs. The women's reservation bill, when implemented, promises to fundamentally alter the political landscape, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences into legislative bodies, potentially leading to more gender-sensitive policymaking and greater empowerment of women at all levels of governance. Key stakeholders involved include the Union Government and Parliament, which initiated and passed these bills; various political parties, whose support was crucial; the SC, ST, and OBC communities, whose representation is directly impacted; women's organizations and activists, who have long advocated for gender quotas; and the Anglo-Indian community, whose special representation provision was discontinued. The judiciary also plays an indirect role through its interpretations, which sometimes necessitate constitutional amendments to clarify legislative intent, as seen with the 105th Amendment. Historically, affirmative action in India dates back to the very framing of the Constitution, driven by leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The debate around women's reservation, in particular, has a long history, with various attempts to pass similar legislation dating back to the 1990s. The passage of these amendments during PM Modi's second term highlights a continued focus on social engineering through constitutional means. These amendments are not just legal texts; they are instruments of social change, aiming to create a more equitable and representative India, aligning with broader themes of social justice, constitutionalism, and democratic deepening. The future implications include a more diverse political leadership, potentially enhanced social mobility, and ongoing debates about the efficacy and duration of reservation policies, especially as India progresses towards becoming a developed nation.