Delimitation and Census, Pg3

Key Highlights:

• The allocation of Lok Sabha seats among states is currently based on the 1971 Census population figures.
• A Bill is anticipated to clarify that future seat allocation will continue to be proportionate to states' population as per the 1971 Census.
• This approach aims to address concerns regarding the impact of population growth disparities on political representation.
• The freeze on the total number of Lok Sabha seats and their allocation among states was implemented through constitutional amendments, initially by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 and extended by the 84th Amendment Act of 2002 until the first census after 2026.

Detailed Insights:

• Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and state assembly constituencies to ensure equitable population distribution and the principle of "one vote, one value".
• The Delimitation Commission, an independent statutory body, is responsible for this exercise, and its orders have the force of law and cannot be challenged in any court.
• Historically, the freeze on seat allocation based on the 1971 Census was introduced to incentivize states, particularly those in the south, to adopt population control measures without fear of losing political representation.
• States that successfully controlled population growth would have faced a reduction in their parliamentary seats if more recent census data were used, while states with higher population growth, predominantly in the north, would have gained seats.
• While the total number of Lok Sabha seats (currently 543) remains fixed based on the 1971 Census, the boundaries of constituencies within states were last readjusted by the 2002 Delimitation Commission using the 2001 Census data.
• Constitutional provisions, primarily Article 82 and Article 170, mandate delimitation after every census to readjust seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, respectively.
• The upcoming delimitation exercise after 2026 is a subject of significant debate, with southern states advocating for the continued use of the 1971 Census or a fair formula to prevent a loss of political influence.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Delimitation: The process of redrawing electoral constituency boundaries to ensure equal representation based on population changes.
• Census: A decennial official enumeration of the population, providing demographic data crucial for planning and representation.
• Lok Sabha: The lower house of India's bicameral Parliament, directly elected by the people.
• 42nd Amendment Act, 1976: Froze the allocation of Lok Sabha seats based on the 1971 Census for 25 years to encourage family planning.
• 84th Amendment Act, 2002: Extended the freeze on Lok Sabha seat allocation based on the 1971 Census until the first census after 2026.