1-March -2025-Special-Article

DELIMITATION AND ITS IMPACT ON SOUTHERN STATES

Delimitation is the process of redefining the number and boundaries of electoral constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. The Delimitation Commission oversees this process to ensure fair representation across different regions.

However, concerns have emerged, particularly among southern states, regarding the impact of the upcoming delimitation exercise on their political representation and resource allocation.

What is Delimitation?

Meaning and Process

• Delimitation involves fixing the number of constituencies and adjusting their boundaries to reflect population changes.
• The process is conducted by a Delimitation Commission, which is constituted through a law passed by Parliament.
• The commission’s decisions have legal authority and cannot be challenged in any court.

Composition of the Delimitation Commission

• A three-member body with significant powers.
• Includes two judges (from the Supreme Court or High Court) and a Chairperson appointed by the central government.
• The Chief Election Commissioner serves as an ex-officio member.
• Its orders are placed before Parliament and State Legislatures but cannot be altered.
• Functions with powers similar to those of a civil court.

Past Delimitation Exercises

• The commission has been constituted four times: 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002.
• The next delimitation exercise is expected after 2026, based on the latest population data.

Rationale Behind Delimitation

• Ensures equal representation across constituencies so that each elected representative represents roughly the same number of people.
• Helps maintain a balanced distribution of parliamentary and assembly seats.
• Prevents over-representation or under-representation of any region within a state or across the country.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 82: Mandates the readjustment of Lok Sabha seats and constituency boundaries after every census.
• Article 170: Governs the composition of State Legislative Assemblies.

Key Amendments

• 42nd Amendment (1976): Froze the number of Lok Sabha seats based on the 1971 census until 2000.
• 84th Amendment (2001): Extended the freeze on readjustment of seats until 2026.
• 87th Amendment (2003): Allowed delimitation based on the 2001 census but without altering the number of seats.
• 31st Amendment (1973): Exempted states with a population below six million from population-based seat allocation.

Judicial Review of Delimitation

• As per Article 329, laws related to delimitation or seat allocation cannot be challenged in court.
• However, in Kishorchandra Chhanganlal Rathod Case (2024), the Supreme Court ruled that delimitation decisions can be reviewed if they are found to be arbitrary or unconstitutional.

Concerns of Southern States Regarding Delimitation

1. Fear of Losing Representation

• Southern states have lower population growth rates than northern states.
• If delimitation is based purely on population, they might lose Lok Sabha seats, reducing their influence in national policymaking.
• Example: Kerala may not gain any additional seats, while Tamil Nadu may see a 26% increase, whereas Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh could see a 79% increase.

2. Risk of Gerrymandering

• Southern leaders fear manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor certain political groups.
• Example: Nepal’s 2015 constitution favored hilly regions over the Terai region, despite the Terai having half the population.

3. Threat to Federalism

• More seats for northern states could lead to a greater share of central funds and policymaking power.
• Southern states fear that unequal representation may pressure them to accept policies they consider unfair.

4. Discouragement to Good Governance

• Southern states have successfully controlled population growth, but delimitation may reward high-fertility states instead.
• This could disincentivize effective governance and policy measures.
• Some leaders have even suggested encouraging larger families to gain more political influence.

5. Potential North-South Divide

• Unequal representation could widen the gap between northern and southern states, fueling demands for greater autonomy or special status.
• Could weaken national unity and create regional tensions.

6. Skewed Resource Distribution

• Northern states, with higher population-based representation, may receive a greater share of central funds.
• Southern states, despite better governance and economic contribution, might receive fewer resources.
• The Finance Commission uses population as a key criterion for fund allocation, which could disadvantage the South.

7. Weakening of Regional Parties

• Delimitation may benefit political parties with strong northern bases.
• This could reduce the influence of southern regional parties in national politics.

The Way Forward

Ensuring Balanced Representation

No state should lose its existing representation.

A weighted formula should be considered, incorporating:

• Population
• Development indicators
• Economic contribution
• Quality of governance

2. Equitable Resource Allocation

• Revise the Finance Commission’s funding formula to ensure fairness.
• Strengthen inter-state councils to balance regional policy interests.

3. Building Consensus

• Set up a constitutional review panel to address delimitation concerns.
• Educate stakeholders about factors beyond population size to prevent regional discontent.

4. Strengthening the Rajya Sabha

• If the South’s representation in the Lok Sabha decreases, it should be compensated through increased representation in the Rajya Sabha.
• This could help maintain regional balance in national decision-making.

Conclusion

Delimitation is essential for fair and effective representation in democracy. However, it must not disadvantage regions that have successfully controlled their population growth. A balanced approach, incorporating population, governance, and economic contributions, is crucial to maintaining political stability and federal harmony. Policymakers must ensure that no state is unfairly penalized while upholding the principles of democracy and fairness.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss the impact of the upcoming delimitation exercise on India’s federal structure, with a special focus on concerns raised by southern states. Suggest measures to ensure balanced representation. (150 WORDS)