Delimitation Panel to visit four NE states and Jammu and Kashmir


The Delimitation Panel that was set up to redraw constituencies of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir is to visit the states the Union Territory to prepare a broad framework of delimitation exercise.

Highlights

The Delimitation Panel will redraw the constituencies based on the 2011 census. It will also work on increasing the assembly seats of Jammu and Kashmir based on its Reorganization Act. The Delimitation Panel was set up in March 2020 under the leadership of Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai (retd).

What is Delimitation?

Delimitation is the act of fixing limits to the boundaries of territorial constituencies. It is essential to provide fair division of geographical areas to prevent advantage of one -political party over the other. Also, delimitation will provide equal representation to equal segments of people.

Constitutional provisions of Delimitation

Article 82 states that the Parliament shall enact Delimitation Act after every census. The Article 170 states that the States shall be divided into territorial constituencies according to the Delimitation Act after every census.

The Delimitation Act was enacted in 1952. So far, four delimitation commissions have been set up in 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002. There was no delimitation after 1981 and 1991 census.

About Delimitation Commission

The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Election Commission of India. The members of Delimitation Commission are a Retired Supreme Court Judge, Chief Election Commissioner and the respective State Election Commission. In case of difference of opinion, opinion of the majority prevails. The Delimitation Commission is one of the high level bodies in India whose decisions cannot be questioned in a court.

Recent Delimitation

In 2009, 499 out of 543 Parliamentary Constituencies were delimited.

Why is Delimitation important?

It is important to provide equal representations to all population of all constituencies. Also, it is essential to identify reserved seats for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.

Concerns

  • The States that tool little measures in population control might end up getting greater representation in the Parliament. The Southern states that promoted family planning face lesser representations
  • In 2008, the delimitation was conducted based in 2001 census. However, the parliamentary and seats were decided based on 1971 census.

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