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India is preparing for a significant delimitation exercise after the 2026 Census, which will involve redrawing parliamentary constituencies.
The process aims to reallocate Lok Sabha seats among states based on updated population figures.
A key challenge is to ensure fair representation without disadvantaging states that have successfully controlled population growth.
This exercise is a crucial constitutional undertaking with profound implications for India's federal structure and political landscape.
Delimitation is the process of fixing the boundaries of electoral constituencies to ensure that each constituency has roughly the same number of voters, thereby providing equal representation. Federalism, in the Indian context, refers to a system where power is divided between the Union government and state governments. The challenge in delimitation lies in balancing the principle of 'one person, one vote' (requiring seat allocation based on current population) with the federal principle of not penalizing states for successful population control, which could lead to a disproportionate shift in political power.
Simple Analogy: Imagine a school where class sizes are determined by the number of students. If some classes grow much faster than others, delimitation is like redrawing classroom boundaries to keep class sizes fair. The federalism challenge is ensuring that classes that worked hard to keep their numbers small aren't punished by losing their share of resources or influence in school decisions.
Mandates the readjustment of Lok Sabha constituencies after every Census.
Mandates the readjustment of Legislative Assembly constituencies after every Census.
Froze the total number of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats based on the 1971 Census until the first Census after 2026.
Allowed delimitation of constituencies based on the 2001 Census figures, but without altering the total number of seats allocated to states, only adjusting boundaries within states.
An independent body appointed by the President of India to redraw electoral boundaries. Its orders have the force of law and cannot be challenged in any court.
The freeze on delimitation was directly linked to incentivizing states to implement family planning measures without political penalty.
Changes in political representation can indirectly influence the distribution of central funds and resources, as population is often a criterion in financial devolution.
The sensitive nature of delimitation requires significant cooperation and consensus between the Union and states to maintain federal harmony.
GS-II: 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.
General Awareness: Indian Polity and Constitution, Current Affairs.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Indian Polity.
General Awareness: Indian Polity, Current Affairs.
General Awareness: Indian Polity, Current Affairs.
Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?
Answer: It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.
Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential feature that indicates that it is federal in character?
Answer: The independence of judiciary is safeguarded.
Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2. The National Human Rights Commission 3. The National Law Commission 4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission How many of the above are constitutional bodies?
Answer: Only one
Medium-High (especially as 2026 approaches)
The process of redrawing boundaries of electoral constituencies.
A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units.
Constitutional amendment that froze Lok Sabha and Assembly seats based on 1971 Census until 2026.