Delimitation Exercise

Delimitation Exercise

Context: In this article we discuss about the impending Delimitation exercise, the challenges associated with it and also look at best practices around the world concerning the topic.

What is Delimitation?
• Delimitation is the act or process of establishing the boundaries of territorial constituencies in a nation to reflect changes in population.

Constitutional provisions:
• Article 82 of the Indian Constitution deals with the allocation of seats in the House of the People (Lok Sabha). It stipulates that the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha shall be distributed among the states in such a manner that the ratio between the number of seats allotted to each state and the population of the state is, as far as practicable, the same for all states. This article also mandates that the allocation of seats and the delimitation of constituencies be readjusted after each census.
• Article 170 of the Indian Constitution pertains to the composition of Legislative Assemblies in states. It outlines the principles for the allocation of seats in the Legislative Assembly of each state. Similar to Article 82 for the Lok Sabha, Article 170 requires that the ratio between the number of seats allotted to each territorial constituency and the population of the constituency be, as far as practicable, the same throughout the state. Like Article 82, Article 170 also mandates the re-adjustment of seats and delimitation of constituencies after each census.

What are the challenges with the revised delimitation exercise?
• The impending delimitation exercise raises significant implications and challenges, particularly concerning federalism and regional disparities.
• In the federal system, which calls for equal state representation, few states in South India (Kerala and Tamil Nadu), which have effectively controlled population growth, may lose seats to quickly growing states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This disparity risks creating feelings of unfairness and disenchantment among the well run states, potentially leading to an imbalance in representation.
• • The potential advantage conferred upon certain states over others in the delimitation process underscores the delicate balance between federal autonomy and democratic principles.

What are best international practices?
• The United States\' method of reapportionment based on the principle of equal proportionality highlights one approach to balancing demographic shifts with political representation. For instance, following the 2020 Census, 37 states experienced no change in their seat allocation, Texas gained two seats, while five other states gained one seat each, and seven states lost one seat.
• Similarly, the European Union\'s model of degressive proportionality underscores the adaptability of electoral systems to accommodate diverse population dynamics.

Way Forward
• Ensure that the number of Lok Sabha seats are capped at 543 to prevent disruptions in current state representations and uphold federal principles.
• Alter and increase the number of seats in state assemblies as per pollution trends while keeping the Rajya Sabha seats unchanged.
• Additionally, empowering local bodies and devolving powers to grassroots institutions can strengthen democracy at the grassroots level, fostering inclusive governance and citizen participation.