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A proposal exists to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from the current 543 seats to approximately 850 seats.
This proposed increase is linked to the process of delimitation, which aims to redraw electoral constituency boundaries.
The primary justification often cited for such an increase is to ensure better and more equitable representation for the growing population.
The current freeze on delimitation based on the 2001 census is set to expire after 2026, making this a pertinent topic.
Delimitation refers to the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province having a legislative body. Its main objective is to ensure that each constituency has roughly the same population, thereby providing equal representation to equal segments of the population. This process is carried out by an independent body called the Delimitation Commission, appointed by the President of India.
Simple Analogy: Imagine dividing a cake (the country's population) into equal slices (electoral constituencies) so that everyone gets a fair share (equal representation). Delimitation is the process of making sure those slices are adjusted as the cake grows or changes shape.
Mandates Parliament to enact a Delimitation Act after every census for readjustment of Lok Sabha constituencies.
Mandates similar readjustment for State Legislative Assembly constituencies after every census.
Froze the total number of existing Lok Sabha and Assembly seats till the first census to be taken after the year 2026. This was done to encourage population control measures without penalizing states that successfully controlled population growth.
Provides for the constitution and powers of the Delimitation Commission.
An increase in Lok Sabha seats based on population growth could disproportionately benefit states with higher population growth (primarily northern states), potentially reducing the relative representation of southern states that have achieved better population control. This raises concerns about federal balance.
A significant increase in the number of MPs would necessitate larger parliamentary infrastructure, changes in seating arrangements, and potentially impact the efficiency of legislative proceedings and debate management.
The freeze on delimitation until 2026 was intended to avoid penalizing states for successful population control. Re-delimitation based on the latest census could reignite debates on the incentives and disincentives for population management.
The discussion around increasing seats is part of broader electoral reforms aimed at improving representation, though it also brings challenges related to constituency size and manageability.
GS Paper-2: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Parliament and State Legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
General Awareness: Indian Polity & Constitution - Parliament, Constitutional Amendments, Important Articles.
General Awareness: Basic facts about Indian Parliament and Constitution.
General Awareness: Indian Polity - Parliament, Constitutional provisions.
General Awareness: Indian Polity - Constitutional framework, Parliament.
Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat? 1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings 2. Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees 3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: 1 and 2 only
Which one of the following statements best reflects the Chief purpose of the 'Constitution' of a country?
Answer: It defines and limits the powers of government.
Consider the following statements: Statement-I: In India, prisons are managed by State Governments with their own rules and regulations for the day-to-day administration of prisons. Statement-II: In India, prisons are governed by the Prisons Act, 1894 which expressly kept the subject of prisons in the control of Provincial Governments. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
Medium to High (as 2026 approaches, this topic will become increasingly critical for exams)
The process of redrawing boundaries of electoral constituencies to ensure equal population representation.
The lower house of India's bicameral Parliament, directly elected by the people.
Constitutional amendment that froze the total number of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats until the first census after 2026.
An independent body constituted by the Government of India to carry out the delimitation process.