The Election Commission (EC) recently released a draft delimitation document for Assam, proposing changes to the boundaries of several Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies in the state.
Why Delimitation in Assam Now?
- Deferred Exercise: While delimitation was conducted in the rest of the country in 2008, it was deferred in Assam and some other northeastern states due to security concerns at that time.
- Revival Notification: In 2020, the Law Ministry issued a notification officially reviving the delimitation exercise in Assam. Subsequently, in December 2022, the EC announced its initiation of the delimitation process in the state.
Key Highlights of the Draft Delimitation Document for Assam:
- Retained Number of Seats: The number of seats remains the same, with 126 Assembly and 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam. However, the EC has proposed changes in various other areas.
- Increased Reserved Seats: The draft document proposes an increase in reserved seats. The number of SC assembly seats has risen from 8 to 9, while the number of ST assembly seats has increased from 16 to 19.
- Additional Seats for Districts with Autonomous Councils: Districts governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which have autonomous councils, will receive more seats. West Karbi Anglong District gains one additional assembly seat, and the Bodo Territorial Region sees an increase of three assembly seats.
- Nomenclature Change: The draft document introduces a change in the nomenclature of constituencies. For example, Kaliabor Lok Sabha constituency is now renamed as ‘Kaziranga.’
Understanding Delimitation:
- Definition and Purpose: Delimitation refers to the process of demarcating the boundaries of parliamentary or assembly constituencies. It is carried out after every census by a Delimitation Commission. The orders issued by the commission are legally binding and cannot be challenged in court.
- Reservation of Seats: Delimitation is responsible for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities in state assemblies or the Lok Sabha. This ensures adequate representation for marginalized communities.
- Constitutional Provisions: According to Article 82 of the Constitution, Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after each decennial census, which is held every ten years. The Delimitation Act provides the legal framework for the delimitation process.
