The Election Commission of India recently unveiled the draft proposal for the delimitation of Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies for the state of Assam. This initiative is carried out in accordance with the guidelines outlined in Section 8-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The delimitation process aims to ensure equal representation, fair division of geographical areas, and adherence to the principle of “One Vote One Value.”
Understanding Delimitation
Delimitation refers to the act of defining boundaries and limits of territorial constituencies to accommodate changes in population. The Delimitation Commission, an independent and non-executive body, is responsible for this process. Its decisions are considered final and cannot be questioned in court, as they play a crucial role in facilitating timely elections.
Key Points of the Draft Proposal
- Delimitation Papers for Assam: The Election Commission has released the preliminary delimitation papers for Assam, outlining the proposed changes in Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies.
- Use of Census Data: The delimitation process in Assam commenced in December 2022, utilizing the Census data of 2001 to readjust the distribution of seats.
- Retention of Seats: The draft proposal suggests maintaining the number of Assembly seats at 126 and Lok Sabha constituencies at 14 in Assam.
- Reservation of Seats: To ensure representation for marginalized communities, the proposal recommends increasing the number of reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) from 8 to 9 and for Scheduled Tribes (STs) from 16 to 19 in the Assembly. Additionally, it proposes reserving two parliamentary seats for STs and one parliamentary seat for SCs.
Importance of Delimitation
- Equal Representation: Delimitation plays a crucial role in providing equal representation to different segments of the population. By readjusting constituency boundaries based on changes in population, the delimitation process ensures that each vote holds equal weight in the democratic process.
- Fair Division of Geographical Areas: The delimitation process aims to create a fair division of geographical areas, preventing any political party from gaining an unfair advantage over others in elections. This fosters a more balanced and inclusive political landscape.
- Upholding the Principle of “One Vote One Value”: Delimitation is instrumental in upholding the principle of “One Vote One Value.” By redistributing seats according to population changes, the delimitation process ensures that each vote has an equal impact on the representation of the people.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 82 and Article 170: These provisions empower the Parliament to readjust the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies of States, respectively, after every census. The Delimitation Commission Act is enacted to carry out the delimitation exercise.
- Article 330 and Article 332: These constitutional provisions allow for the re-fixing of the number of seats reserved for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies, based on the 2001 census.
The Role of the Delimitation Commission
The Delimitation Commission consists of a chairperson, usually a retired or working Supreme Court Judge, an Election Commissioner, and the concerned State Election Commissioners. The Commission’s orders have the force of law and cannot be challenged in court. While the Commission’s orders are laid before the Lok Sabha and the respective legislative assemblies, no modifications can be made to the orders by these bodies.