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Context:

The Union Home Minister assured southern states that they wouldn’t lose “even a single seat” after the fresh delimitation of constituencies.

About Delimitation

It is the process of redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and state legislative assembly constituencies to ensure fair and equitable representation of citizens.

It adjusts the number and boundaries of constituencies based on the latest demographic changes, using Census data as the foundation

The Constitution mandates delimitation through specific articles:

• Article 82: Requires readjustment of Lok Sabha seats and their division into constituencies after each Census.
• Article 170(3): Mandates readjustment of Legislative Assembly seats in states after every Census.

Delimitation Exercises

• The first delimitation exercise was conducted in 1952 based on the 1951 Census.
• Subsequent exercises followed in 1963 (based on 1961 Census) and 1973 (based on 1971 Census).
• The process was frozen in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment Act to encourage population control, with the number of Lok Sabha seats fixed at 543.
• The freeze was extended until 2026 by the 84th Amendment Act in 2002.
• The most recent delimitation in 2002 redrew boundaries but didn't change the number of seats.

Delimitation Process

The President appoints a Delimitation Commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, including the Chief Election Commissioner or their representative and State Election Commissioners.

MPs and MLAs are appointed as associate members to provide inputs, though they lack decision-making powers.

The Commission functions independently, and its decisions cannot be challenged in court.

After proposing boundaries, the Commission invites feedback from the public, political parties, and stakeholders before finalizing the plan.

Once published in the official Gazette, the delimitation orders take effect in the next election.

Role of Census Data

Census data is fundamental to delimitation:

• It determines seat allocation and constituency boundaries.
• It helps identify regions with significant Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations for reserved seats.
• It accounts for geographical contiguity, population density, and socio-economic realities.
• The 2021 Census, delayed by COVID-19, is expected to guide the next delimitation exercise.

Southern States Concern

Southern states have effectively controlled population growth, while northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have experienced higher population growth rates. Thus, delimitation exercises based purely on population data, could result in southern states to lose parliamentary representation.

Projected Impacts

• Southern states' share in Lok Sabha representation could decline from 23.7% to 19%.
• Northern states could gain a larger share of seats, potentially increasing the total number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 753.
• States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka might see reduced representation despite their economic contributions and successful population management.

Must Read Articles:

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SOUTHERN STATES ABOUT DELIMITATION

DELIMITATION OF LOK SABHA CONSTITUENCIES

DELIMITATION COMMISSION

Source:

INDIAN  EXPRESS

https://t.me/+hJqMV1O0se03Njk9