Model Answer

Introduction

The proposed 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 members and enable immediate delimitation based on recent demographic data. While the move aims to enhance democratic representation in line with population growth, it raises concerns regarding the balance of power among states in India’s federal structure.

Body

1. Need for Increasing Lok Sabha Seats (Enhancing Representation)

India’s population has grown significantly since the 1971 Census, which currently forms the basis for seat allocation.

Improved Representation Ratio: Increasing seats reduces the population-to-representative ratio, strengthening grassroots democracy. Democratic Deepening: More MPs → better articulation of local issues and diversity. Correcting Historical Distortion: The freeze on delimitation (1976–2026) has made representation demographically outdated. Women’s Political Participation: By enabling 1/3rd reservation immediately, the Bill promotes gender-inclusive governance.

👉 Thus, the amendment aligns with the principle of “one person, one vote, one value.”

2. Key Provisions Supporting This Objective Amendment to Article 81 → Increase in Lok Sabha seats (up to 850). Amendment to Article 82 → Allows delimitation using pre-2026 data. Amendment to Article 334A → Immediate implementation of women’s reservation. Empowered Delimitation Commission → Redraw constituencies with legal finality.
3. Concerns Regarding Federal Balance

Despite its democratic intent, the proposal raises serious federal concerns:

a) North-South Divide States with higher population growth (e.g., UP, Bihar) may gain more seats. States that successfully controlled population (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Kerala) may lose relative representation.

👉 This creates a paradox: Better-performing states may be politically penalized.

b) Distortion of Federal Equality India follows quasi-federalism with unitary bias, but excessive population-based allocation may tilt power. Smaller or southern states may feel politically marginalized. c) Impact on Fiscal Federalism Political representation influences resource allocation and policy priorities. Greater representation of certain states may lead to policy bias. d) Undermining Cooperative Federalism Perception of unfairness can lead to regional tensions and weaken national unity. 4. Need for a Balanced Approach

To reconcile representation with federal equity:

a) Hybrid Criteria for Seat Allocation Combine population + performance indicators (e.g., HDI, governance). b) Strengthening Rajya Sabha Ensure states’ interests are protected through a stronger Upper House. c) Gradual Implementation Phased delimitation to avoid sudden political disruption. d) Institutional Safeguards Transparent functioning of the Delimitation Commission with stakeholder consultation. Conclusion

The proposed amendment represents a critical step toward making India’s democracy more representative and inclusive. However, in a diverse federal polity like India, numerical representation must be balanced with federal fairness. A calibrated approach that integrates both democratic and federal principles will ensure that the reform strengthens—not destabilizes—India’s constitutional framework.