ASSAM DELIMITATION
1. Context
Recently, the Election Commission (EC) released a draft delimitation document for Assam, proposing a change in the boundaries of several Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies of the state.
The proposal has been met with controversy, with some groups alleging that it is partisan and favours the ruling BJP.
The proposed boundaries also threaten the electoral futures of some sitting legislators and parliamentarians, who now may lose their constituencies.
2. About Delimitation
- Delimitation is the act of redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats to represent population changes.
- It aims to provide equal representation for equal population segments, to ensure that no political party has an advantage.
- Delimitation is a constitutional exercise carried out based on preceding Census figures (the year 2001 in this case).
3. Delimitation in Assam
- While the slated delimitation process was done in the rest of the country in 2008, it was deferred in Assam (as well as some other Northeastern States) citing security concerns of the time.
- A 2020 notification from the Law Ministry officially revived the exercise in Assam.
- Following that in December 2022 the EC announced that it would initiate the exercise.
4. Highlights of the proposal
- While the number of seats (126 Assembly and 14 Lok Sabha) are being retained, the EC has proposed not just changes in geographical boundaries, but also an increase in the number of reserved constituencies for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC).
- Reserved seats increased SC assembly seats have increased from 8 to 9 and ST assembly seats have increased from 16 to 19.
- Districts with Autonomous councils (administered under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution) get more seats one assembly seat increased in West Karbi Anglong District and Three Assembly seats increased in the Bodo Territorial Region.
- Change in nomenclature Kaliabor Lok Sabha constituency is now named "Kaziranga"
5. Carrying out of delimitation Process
- While delimitation is based on the 2001 census data, the EC sought the opinions and suggestions of 11 political parties and 71 organizations during their visit to Assam in March.
- The representations made by these stakeholders focused on using the 2001 census as the basis, safeguarding the rights of indigenous people, and considering the changing demographic patterns in the state.
- The draft proposal remains open to suggestions and objections until July 11, following which a public hearing will be conducted in Assam.
6. Controversy over the Draft Proposal
- Various political parties and groups have raised allegations of partisan bias against the draft proposal.
- Particularly, representatives of the Bengali-origin Muslim community contend that the proposal politically marginalizes them while favouring the ruling BJPs agenda.
- Concerns are voiced about the mixed inclusion of minority areas with majority Hindu populations, the reduction of constituencies with significant Muslim populations and the increase in Hindu-dominated seats.
- Opposition parties, including Congress and AIUDF, criticize the draft as unscientific, unconstitutional and designed to benefit the ruling party.
7. Impact on Legislators and Parliamentarians
- The proposed changes in reservation status, alteration of boundaries and renaming of constituencies may significantly affect incumbent legislators and parliamentarians.
- For example, the transformation of the Kaliabor constituency into Kaziranga and the realignment of Muslim-majority areas in the Kaziranga constituency to Nagaon may impact the electoral prospects of MP Gaurav Gogoi.
- Similarly, the elimination of the Muslim-majority Dhing constituency and the renaming and redrawing of boundaries in the Barak Valley region raise concerns among affected legislators.
- The dissolution of the Amguri constituency, a stronghold of the AGP has also sparked protests.
8. The Way Forward
- The draft delimitation proposal for Assam has become a contentious issue, with opposing viewpoints and allegations of partisan bias.
- While the objective of ensuring fair representation and addressing demographic changes is crucial, it is imperative to address the concerns raised by marginalized communities and opposition parties.
- The ongoing public consultation and subsequent decisions will shape the outcome, impacting the political landscape of Assam.
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For Prelims: Assam, delimitation, Barak Valley, Election Commission, Lok Sabha, Assembly constituencies, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Sixth Schedule, Bodo Territorial Region,
For Mains:
1. What is the concept of delimitation? Explain its purpose and how is it carried out in India. Discuss the significance of delimitation in ensuring fair representation in the electoral process. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions 1. With reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2012)
1. The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in a Court of Law.
2. When the orders of the Delimitation Commission are laid before the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly, they cannot effect any modifications in the orders.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
2. Barak Valley in Assam is famous for which among the following? (MSTET 2019)
A. Bamboo Industry
B. Petroleum Production
C. Cottage Industries
D. Tea Cultivation
Answer: D
3. Which one of the following is an important crop of the Barak Valley? (Karnataka Civil Police Constable 2019)
A. Sugarcane B. Jute C. Tea D. Cotton
Answer: B
4. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021)
1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies.
2. In 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies. 3. As per the- existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye-elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her in the event of him/her winning in all the constituencies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 3 D. 2 and 3
Answer: B
5. The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to (UPSC 2015)
A. protect the interests of the Scheduled Tribes
B. determine the boundaries between States
C. determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
D. protect the interests of all the border States
Answer: A
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Source: The Indian Express
