Context:
The delimitation, an exercise in the country that involves the redrawing of boundaries for parliamentary and state assembly constituencies based on population changes, is an area of concern among the southern states of the country. The leaders from this region suspect that the next delimitation, planned after the 2026 census, may shrink their representation on the Lok Sabha due to the states’ success in controlling population growth.
Key Concerns
Threat of Losing Parliamentary Seats
- States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have in effect executed population control measures for decades, while states in the north like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have seen a spurt in population growth.
- In the anticipated delimitation that would be carried out based on the most recent population figures, the southern states may stand to lose to the more populous northern regions in terms of representation and available clout in the national decision making process.
- Southern states are the economic backbone of India, with any downward shift in political representation only proving to undermine its claims over federal governance.
Differentiation in Economic and Development Levels
- Though having smaller populations, southern states are heavily contributive to the Indian economy. The combined gross domestic product (GDP) of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu is above that of the 13 states in the eastern region.
- Any diminishment of the parliamentary representation of these southern states will effectively lead to diminishing of political leverage, which in turn, may impact the allocation of Central funds and resources vital for sustaining their development paths.
Punishment for Population Control Policies
- South leaders argue that drawing the allocation of seats based on population is punishing those states that have actually gone about implementing family planning and population control.
- Forward looking kind of policies would not be encouraged by states who see delimitation as a punishment for doing something laudable.
History and Implications of Delimitation in India
The delimitation process in India was adopted three times since independence:
- 1951 Census: 494 Lok Sabha seats | Population: 36.1 crore (7.3 lakh people per seat)
- 1961 Census: 522 seats | Population: 43.9 crore (8.4 lakh per seat)
- 1971 Census: 543 seats | Population: 54.8 crore (10.1 lakh per seat)
Key Events
- In 1976, the process was frozen to curb the advantage of states gaining more seats due to population rise during the period of family planning.
- The 42nd Amendment Act (1976) provided a moratorium of 25 years, up to 2000, on delimitation.
- This period of moratorium was further extended, until 2026, by the 84th Amendment Act (2001).
- At present, the delimitation of 543 Lok Sabha (and 250 Rajya Sabha) seats is based on the 1971 census data.
- While there were no changes made to total seats, constituency boundaries were adjusted after the 2001 Census, as were SC/ST reservations, which will see another revision after 2026.
Key Challenges
- Addressing regional disparities in representation while maintaining federal balance is critical.
- Representation vs. Federalism:
- A simple population-based redistribution would shift political power towards Northern States.
- Southern States, despite economic and social progress, may feel politically sidelined.
- Need for a Balanced Approach:
- Expanding overall Lok Sabha seats could be a solution to prevent drastic changes in State-wise proportions.
The Urgency of Conducting the Census
- As India aims for global leadership, it cannot afford to delay the fundamental task of counting its population.
- Census Delay Raises Questions:
- A delayed Census could enable early delimitation, benefitting certain regions politically.
- Accurate data is essential before making such a major electoral change.
Future of Delimitation and Its Impact
- The 2031 Census will lead to the next delimitation, which in turn may prompt an increase, decrease, or redrawing of constituencies while retaining unchanged the total number of parliamentary seats.
- Delimitation, however, is a highly sensitive issue, particularly among the southern states: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Hurdles abound in the delimitation exercise, whereby equal representation as required by the Constitution must be gently weighed against rewarding the good governance and population control achievements. Policymakers must be brought around the table before the 2026 deadline in order to deal with the grievances of southern states a
