DELIMITATION OF STATES
1. Context
On May 28, after inaugurating the new Parliament building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the number of seats and MPs in the Lok Sabha will increase, pointing to the possible delimitation exercise that could follow in the coming Monsoon session of Parliament.
2. What is the Delimitation of States?
- Delimitation refers to the process of redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies within each state of India.
- It is undertaken periodically to ensure that the representation of constituencies is fair and equitable based on the principles of population distribution.
- Under Article 82 of the Constitution, Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after every Census which establishes a delimitation commission.
- The delimitation of constituencies in India is governed by the Delimitation Commission, which is a high-level body appointed by the President of India.
- The Delimitation Commission consists of a Chief Election Commissioner or Election Commissioner nominated by the President, as well as the respective State Election Commissioners, if any.
- Delimitation commissions have been set up four times in the past under the ‘Delimitation Commission Acts’ of 1952, 1962, 1972, and 2002.
3. The primary objectives of delimitation in the Indian Constitution are as follows:
- To ensure equal representation: Delimitation aims to provide equal representation to each voter by readjusting the boundaries of constituencies based on population changes. The population figures used for delimitation are usually derived from the latest census data.
- To remove discrepancies: Delimitation helps in rectifying any discrepancies in the size and composition of constituencies, thereby ensuring a more balanced and democratic electoral process.
- To account for reserved seats: Delimitation also takes into consideration the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) as mandated by the Constitution. The commission determines the number and locations of reserved seats within each state.
4. Delimitation of Constituencies in India - A Crossroads in Electoral Democracy
- In four years, India's electoral democracy faces a critical juncture as the delimitation of constituencies, based on the next decennial Census population figures, is scheduled for 2026.
- With a significantly increased population, it is essential to ensure that the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the Lok Sabha (currently 543) is adjusted accordingly.
- A higher population per constituency diminishes the impact of each voter on parliamentary representation, which is an undesirable situation. The Indian Constitution recognizes this and provides for periodic Census-linked rearrangement of constituencies.
- The principle is straightforward - more people should result in more MPs to maintain fair and tenable representation in Parliament.
- However, in practice, a population-based delimitation of constituencies, as outlined in Article 82 of the Constitution, could give more MPs to states and union territories with population growth and fewer MPs to those that have controlled their population growth.
- Realizing this potential anomaly, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi introduced a delimitation freeze through the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution in 1976. This freeze was later extended by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee through the 84th Amendment.
- The extension of the delimitation freeze is set to end in 2026, posing a crucial decision point for India's electoral democracy.
- The upcoming delimitation exercise based on Census data aims to rectify the imbalances and ensure a more equitable distribution of MPs.
- The delimitation process plays a vital role in upholding democratic principles and ensuring fair political representation for the growing population of India.
5. Issues with scheduled delimitation exercise in India
- Political Implications: Delimitation has significant political implications as it can impact the distribution of power and representation among political parties. Changes in constituency boundaries can influence the electoral prospects of political candidates and parties, potentially leading to shifts in political dynamics.
- Regional Disparities: Delimitation based on population figures may result in giving more Members of Parliament (MPs) to states and union territories that have experienced population growth while reducing the representation of those regions that have controlled their population growth. This could lead to imbalances and perceived unfairness in parliamentary representation.
- Socio-political Factors: Delimitation exercises can be influenced by socio-political factors such as linguistic, cultural, or regional identities. These factors can sometimes lead to demands for the creation of new states or changes in constituency boundaries based on specific interests or aspirations, which can be contentious.
- Data Accuracy and Manipulation: Accurate population data is crucial for a fair delimitation exercise. Challenges may arise if there are concerns about the accuracy of the population figures or if there are attempts to manipulate the data for political gain.
- Implementation Challenges: The delimitation process itself can be complex and time-consuming. It requires extensive consultations, analysis, and decision-making to determine the new boundaries and ensure compliance with legal and constitutional requirements.
6. The alternatives proposed for addressing the complexities of the delimitation process
- One option is to implement another freeze, but this time, not for a specific period. The freeze would remain in effect until all states in India achieve population stabilization.
- This would mean maintaining the current constituency boundaries until population growth becomes more balanced across all states.
- The second alternative suggests seeking the expertise of demographic and statistical experts to develop a mathematical model similar to the "Cambridge Compromise" used for apportioning seats in the European Parliament.
- This model would need to be customized to suit India's specific needs, taking into account the complexities of the Indian demographic situation.
|
For Prelims: Census, Article 82, Delimitation Commission, Chief Election Commissioner, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Members of Parliament (MP), Lok sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
For Mains: 1. Analyze the major challenges and complexities associated with the delimitation of states in India. Discuss the potential political, social, and administrative implications of redrawing state boundaries. (250 words).
|
|
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. According to the Delimitation Commission of India and subject to Article 333 of the Constitution of India, what is the maximum number of members that a State legislative Assembly may have? (UPSC CAPF 2020)
A. 450
B. 500
C. 550
D. 600
Answer: B
|
Source: The Hindu
