Petty Politics: Delaying the Census aids politicisation of delimitation issue, Pg 6

Key Highlights

Delimitation Demand & Political Consensus

• Joint Action Committee demands freeze on delimitation based on 1971 Census for 25 more years.

• Past freezes: 42nd Amendment (till 2000), extended by 84th Amendment (till 2026).

Federal Concerns

• Southern States: Higher population control, fear of parliamentary seat reduction.

• Northern States may gain seats if delimitation uses latest population data.

Need for Consensus Building

• Proposal to include States fiscal contribution in delimitation process.

• Urges nationwide consultation, Census first, then Delimitation Commission.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Decisions must be based on inclusive, data-backed consultations.

• Government must prioritize Census, ensure transparent, fair delimitation avoiding regional penalization.

Mains Mock Question:

"Examine the challenges associated with delimitation based on population data. How can India ensure federal balance while undertaking delimitation exercises?"