Delimitation refers to the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituities in a country to represent changes in population, ensuring that every citizen’s vote carries similar weight. The process is integral to India’s democratic system, implemented through the Delimitation Commission Act enacted in 1952, and has been executed four times since then – 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002. The last significant delimitation exercise done based on the 1971 census was in 1976.
The Constitution of India mandates the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s parliament) according to each state’s population. However, this method could disproportionately benefit states with minimal population control efforts. Consequently, the Constitution was amended in 1976 to suspend delimitation until 2001, later extended to 2026, with hopes of reaching a uniform population growth rate by then.
The Delimitation Commission: Composition and Functions
The Delimitation Commission, which undertakes the delimitation process, is appointed by the President of India and works alongside the Election Commission of India. Its members comprise a retired Supreme Court judge, the Chief Election Commissioner, and State Election Commissioners. The Commission’s main role is to determine the number and boundaries of constituencies to ensure equal population distribution. They also identify seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes where their populations are relatively large. The Commission’s decisions carry the weight of law and are immune from court challenges.
Why Delimitation Poses a Challenge to India’s Southern States
Southern states in India have seen significant growth and improvement since the 21st century began, surpassing in many aspects their Northern counterparts who previously led in terms of income and poverty levels. This economic growth, coupled with better education and health outcomes, has significantly impacted these states’ development. A prime example of this progress is the higher GDP of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu combined, which exceeds the GDP of thirteen Eastern Indian states.
Nonetheless, this progress could be undermined by the delimitation process. The present parliamentary constituency distribution is skewed in favor of populous Northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Meanwhile, Southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have fewer seats. If delimitation occurs based on population, southern states will lose seats to their northern counterparts, adversely affecting their representation. Therefore, electoral representation should take into account not only population quantity but also its quality.
Concerns Surrounding Delimitation
Several issues emerge from delimitation. The most significant concern is inadequate representation. Research reveals that Bihar and Uttar Pradesh could gain 21 seats collectively, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala may lose 16 seats with delimitation based on the 2031 Census. Moreover, the seat redistribution may negatively impact reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, shifting power from the south to the north. Additionally, states may experience inadequate funding, especially since the 15th Finance Commission used the 2011 Census for funding recommendations. Lastly, demographic changes over the last six decades will further complicate the situation if the Lok Sabha seats are reallocated after 2031.
Recommendations for an Equitable Delimitation Process
To address these challenges, several recommendations have been proposed. First, establishing a robust plan to reallocate resources after 2031 without any delay. This plan would provide stability and certainty for the southern states regarding funding and representation. Another suggestion is to increase the total number of Lok Sabha seats, ensuring no state loses its current seats. This increase could potentially enhance governance efficiency, with Members of Parliament representing smaller constituencies, thereby reducing administrative pressures. Lastly, the new Lok Sabha building, part of the Central Vista project, should have enough capacity for at least 888 seats, ensuring every state has adequate representation.
