Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
Q1. What is the Delimitation Commission and how is it constituted? Discuss
the constitutional and legal framework guiding its functioning. In light of
demands for delimitation based on the 2021 Census, analyze the potential
impact on the federal balance and representation in Parliament.
Introduction
Define Delimitation Commission briefly.
Mention its constitutional mandate and why it’s important for democracy.
Briefly refer to the current context: demand for delimitation based on 2021
Census.
Main Body
1. What is the Delimitation Commission?
A high-powered body created under an Act of Parliament.
Responsible for redrawing boundaries of Parliamentary and Assembly
constituencies.
Ensures equal representation based on population.
2. Constitutional and Legal Framework
Articles 82 & 170 of the Constitution.
Delimitation Acts: Passed by Parliament from time to time (1952, 1962,
1972, 2002).
Role of the Election Commission.
42nd Amendment (1976) froze delimitation till 2001 → extended by
84th Amendment till 2026.
3. Current Demand: Delimitation Based on 2021 Census
Push from northern states for representation based on latest
population.
Southern states opposing — they argue they have controlled population
growth and would be penalized.
4. Potential Impact on Federal Balance and Representation
Disproportionate representation: States with high population (like UP,
Bihar) may gain more seats.
Southern states may lose political weight, despite better governance.
Federal tensions may rise.
May affect fiscal federalism and resource allocation debates.
Conclusion
Delimitation is essential, but it must balance population with
performance.
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
A possible multi-factor model (population + governance + development)
could be considered.
Need for national consensus to maintain cooperative federalism.
Answer:
Introduction:
The Delimitation Commission is a body that decides how to divide the country
into election areas, like Lok Sabha and Assembly [Link] works under the
Constitution and is very important to keep elections fair. It ensures that every
vote has equal value by adjusting seat boundaries as populations’ change. Now,
there is a demand to redraw boundaries using the 2021 Census data. Some
states feel underrepresented, so this topic has become important again.
Main Body:
1. What is the Delimitation Commission? (Short Question-8 Marks)
Created by Law
The Delimitation Commission is a special body made by a law passed in
Parliament.
It is a powerful and independent body.
Main Work
Its main job is to redraw the boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Assembly
seats.
It does this based on the latest population data from the Census.
Goal of Delimitation
To make sure that every area has fair and equal representation.
Areas with more people get more seats, and areas with fewer people get
fewer seats.
Why It Matters
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
It helps keep democracy fair and balanced.
Every citizen’s vote should have the same value—this is only possible
when constituencies are nearly equal in size.
Example
After a Census, if a city’s population has grown a lot, it may get more seats
through delimitation.
2. Constitutional and Legal Framework (Short Question-8 Marks)
Articles in the Constitution
Article 82: After every Census, Parliament can pass a law to redraw Lok
Sabha seats.
Article 170: Same rule for State Assembly seats.
Delimitation Acts
Parliament passed Delimitation Acts in 1952, 1962, 1972, and 2002 to
allow the process.
Each time, a Delimitation Commission was formed based on these laws.
Role of Election Commission
The Election Commission of India helps implement the final order of the
Delimitation Commission.
Once the order is published, it cannot be challenged in court.
Freeze on Delimitation
In 1976, the 42nd Amendment froze the process to promote population
control.
The 84th Amendment (2001) extended the freeze till 2026.
This means the number of seats hasn’t changed even if population has
grown.
Why This Matters
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
These rules help balance fair representation and national goals like family
planning.
3. Current Demand: Delimitation Based on 2021 Census (Short Question-8
Marks)
Demand from Northern States
Some northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar want more seats in
Parliament.
They say their population has increased a lot, so they should get more
representation.
They want the 2021 Census to be used for this.
Opposition from Southern States
Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala disagree with this idea.
They say they have controlled population growth by following
government rules.
If seats are changed now, they may get fewer seats, which feels unfair to
them.
Main Concern
If the number of seats is only based on population, then states that did
family planning will be punished.
This may create division between states and affect unity.
Need for Balance
The government must find a fair solution that respects both population
size and good governance.
4. Potential Impact on Federal Balance and Representation (Short Question-
8 Marks)
Unequal Representation
If seats are based only on population, big states like Uttar Pradesh and
Bihar may get more power in Parliament.
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
Smaller or well-governed states may get less voice, even if they worked
hard on development.
Southern States May Suffer
Southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka may lose
political importance.
Even though they controlled population and improved services, they may
have fewer MPs.
Federal Tensions May Grow
This can cause tensions between states.
Southern states may feel unfairly treated, which can hurt national unity.
Impact on Resource Sharing
More seats may also lead to more funds for larger states.
This could affect how money is shared between states and create more
disputes.
Need for Careful Planning
A balanced way is needed to respect all states and keep the federation
strong.
Conclusion:
Delimitation is important to keep representation fair as the population changes.
But it should not only depend on numbers. States that perform well in governance
and development should also be rewarded. A new model that balances population,
good governance, and progress can help. For this, all states must work together
and agree, so that unity and cooperative federalism are protected across the
country
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
Practice Question
Q1. Critically examine the role of the Delimitation Commission in ensuring
fair political representation across Indian states. How might future
delimitation exercises affect the political weight of southern versus northern
states? Discuss with reference to demographic shifts and regional concerns.
Introduction
Define Delimitation Commission and its objective: fair political
representation.
Briefly introduce the regional imbalance debate (North vs South).
Main Body
1. Role of Delimitation Commission
Ensures equitable distribution of constituencies based on population.
Prevents over- or under-representation of any area.
Works independently to depoliticize constituency boundary redrawing.
2. Challenges in Ensuring Fair Representation
Population growth rates vary across states.
Southern states have better population control → risk losing seats.
Northern states may gain due to high population, but with poorer social
indicators.
3. Future Delimitation Exercises: Impact
Northern states (like UP, Bihar, MP) may gain Lok Sabha seats.
Southern states (like Tamil Nadu, Kerala) may lose influence despite
good governance.
Could shift political power disproportionately.
Language, identity, and fiscal concerns could deepen regional divides.
4. Demographic Shifts and Regional Concerns
Migration, urbanization affecting demographics.
Need for considering development, health, education parameters along
with population.
Conclusion
Delimitation must not be purely numerical.
A balanced approach is needed to protect the interests of progressive
states.
Focus should be on inclusive federalism and fair democratic representation.
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
Polity Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) By Karan Sir
