The Issue with Population-Based Delimitation Process

Context:

• Delimitation refers to the process of redrawing Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituency boundaries to ensure fair representation.

• With the current freeze on seat allocation ending after 2026, concerns have intensified about adopting a purely population-based delimitation formula, which could reshape India’s federal and electoral balance.

Key Highlights:

Delimitation & Constitutional Basis

• Delimitation is governed by:

  • Article 82 (Lok Sabha seat readjustment after Census)

  • Article 170 (State Assembly constituencies)

• Seats have been frozen since the 1971 Census to encourage population control.

• The freeze remains valid until 2026, after which fresh reallocation may occur.

Trends & Population Growth Differences

• India has witnessed uneven demographic trends:

  • Southern states achieved effective population stabilisation through better health and education policies.

  • Northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar continue to show higher population growth.

• Population-based seat redistribution may lead to:

  • Loss of representation for the South

  • Increased dominance of northern states in Parliament

Representation vs. Population Debate

• Representation should not be reduced to population numbers alone.

• Larger populations do not always require proportionately larger seats, because:

  • Smaller constituencies improve public service delivery

  • Accountability of elected representatives becomes stronger

• Over-expansion of constituencies may weaken citizen–representative connect.

Policy and Governance Challenges

• Using population as the sole criterion ignores qualitative factors like:

  • Health outcomes

  • Education levels

  • Governance performance

• There are limited constitutional safeguards ensuring balanced representation based on development achievements.

Federalism and Regional Equity Concerns

• Delimitation based only on population risks creating regional disparities, undermining:

  • Cooperative federalism

  • Political equity among states

• States that implemented national goals of population control may feel penalised.

Analysis & Way Forward

• India needs a calibrated approach, combining:

  • Population figures

  • Development and governance indicators

• Possible reforms include:

  • Minimum seat guarantees for states to protect balanced federalism

  • Weightage for human development performance

  • Wider political consensus before post-2026 delimitation

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Delimitation Commission: Independent body for redrawing constituencies

• Constitutional Articles: 82 and 170

• Seat freeze: Based on 1971 Census until 2026

• Issue: Population-based redistribution may skew regional balance

• Stakeholders: Union, States, Election Commission, Parliament

Relevant Mains Points:

• Concepts: Electoral justice, federalism, representation equity

• Implications:

  • Weakening of southern political voice

  • Increased regional polarisation

  • Potential challenge to national unity

• Way Forward:

  • Balanced delimitation formula

  • Protect states that achieved demographic transition

  • Ensure fairness beyond numerical population

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS 2: Electoral reforms, federal structure, constitutional provisions

• GS 1: Population dynamics, regional demographic transition

Mains Practice Question:

• “Critically examine the implications of population-based delimitation on federalism and electoral justice in India.”