Delimitation and Representation in India
The process of delimitation involves fixing the number of seats and defining the boundaries of territorial constituencies in each state for the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies. This process is undertaken by a Delimitation Commission established under an Act of Parliament.
Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Resolution
- Urged the Centre to permanently freeze Lok Sabha seats at 543.
- Advocated maintaining the current State-wise distribution of seats.
- Suggested implementing a one-third reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha starting from the 2029 election, independent of future census or delimitation exercises.
Historical Context and Constitutional Provisions
- The number of Lok Sabha seats was last determined based on the 1971 census.
- Population was 54.8 crores in 1971, translating to an average of 10.1 lakhs per constituency.
- The number was frozen to encourage population control, preventing States with higher population growth from gaining more seats.
- Article 81(2) of the Constitution requires that the ratio between the number of seats and population of a state should be uniform across states.
- The 42nd and 84th Amendments froze the seats until 2026, pending reassessment post-2026 census.
- The 106th Constitutional Amendment (2023) mandated one-third reservation for women, based on the 2027 census.
Demographic and Political Implications
- Population growth has been uneven, with states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar experiencing higher growth compared to states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- This creates a mismatch with the democratic principle of 'one person-one vote-one value.'
- Proposals suggest increasing Lok Sabha seats to 850, with a 50% pro-rata increase in each State/Union Territory.
Challenges and Considerations
- Increasing Lok Sabha seats would disrupt the 2.2:1 ratio with Rajya Sabha seats, risking more joint sittings and diminishing Rajya Sabha's role.
- The limited number of sitting days (around 60 days per year) would reduce meaningful participation and deliberation.
- Additional MPs would increase costs to the exchequer, including MPLADS funds.
Proposed Solutions
- Freezing Lok Sabha seats at 543 to maintain current state representations and uphold federal principles.
- Providing one-third reservation for women from existing seats to ensure gender representation.
- Increasing the number of MLAs in each state in line with the current population to address democratic representation needs.
