Context:
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Delimitation refers to the process of fixing the number of seats and redefining the boundaries of constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
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The last major delimitation was based on the 1971 Census, after which the number of Lok Sabha seats was frozen at 543, despite significant population growth.
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As per constitutional mandate, the next delimitation is expected after the first Census conducted post-2026.
Key Highlights:
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What is Delimitation?
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It involves:
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Allocation of seats to states
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Redrawing constituency boundaries
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Ensuring representation based on population changes
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Uneven Population Growth Across States
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Northern states such as:
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Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan
have experienced higher population growth.
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Southern states such as:
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Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
have achieved better population stabilisation.
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Potential Shift in Political Representation
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If delimitation is conducted strictly on population basis:
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High-growth states may gain seats
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Low-growth states may lose seats
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This could significantly alter the political balance within the Lok Sabha.
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Alternative Proposal: Expanding Lok Sabha Seats
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Instead of redistributing within 543 seats, one proposal suggests increasing total seats to 848, allowing:
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Better representation for populous states
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Protection of seat share for population-controlled states
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Concerns Over Federalism and Equity
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States that successfully controlled population may lose influence, including:
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Southern states
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Smaller northern states like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
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This raises questions of:
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Equity
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Reward vs penalty for population control
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Erosion of federal principles
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Government’s Stand
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that:
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No state will lose seats
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Seat increase will occur on a pro-rata basis for all states
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However, uncertainty remains regarding the basis of pro-rata allocation:
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Current seat share
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Projected population share
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Balancing Democracy and Regional Interests
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Strict application of one-person-one-vote could disadvantage states with successful population policies.
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Federal balance requires safeguarding regional diversity and equitable representation.
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Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Upcoming delimitation exercise after 2026 Census.
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Causes:
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Large demographic changes since 1971
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Uneven population growth between North and South India
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Key Facts:
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Lok Sabha seats frozen at 543 since 1971
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Delimitation expected post-2026 Census
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Challenges:
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Political imbalance if seats are redistributed without expansion
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Disincentive for states practicing population control
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Potential weakening of cooperative federalism
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Impact:
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Reshaping of electoral representation
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Increased North Indian dominance in Parliament
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Possible regional alienation
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Constitutional Provisions:
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Delimitation is mandated under Article 82 (Lok Sabha seats) and Article 170 (State Assemblies).
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Conducted through a Delimitation Commission.
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Governance and Federalism Dimensions:
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Representation must ensure both:
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Democratic equality (population-based representation)
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Federal fairness (state balance and autonomy)
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Key Concerns:
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Penalising states that achieved demographic transition
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Disturbing regional power-sharing within the Union
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Way Forward:
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Increase Lok Sabha seats while ensuring no state loses representation.
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Consider capping Lok Sabha seats but increasing MLA strength in states for regional equity.
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Adopt a balanced formula that integrates:
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Population
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Development indicators
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Federal principles
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Broader Principle:
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India must balance democracy (one-person-one-vote) with regional interests and unity.
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 2 (Polity): Delimitation, federalism, representation, constitutional provisions
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GS 2 (Governance): Cooperative federalism, equitable power-sharing, institutional mechanisms