Delimitation refers to the redrawing of Lok Sabha and
State
Assembly constituency
boundaries to ensure equal representation based on
population.
It ensures that each vote carries equal weight and that each
elected
representative represents a similar number of people.
History of Delimitation in India
First Delimitation Commission: 1952
Second Delimitation Commission: 1962
Third Delimitation Commission: 1973 (based on
1971
Census , completed
in 1975 ).
Fourth Delimitation Commission: 2002 (based on
2001
Census ).
The next delimitation was scheduled after the 2021 Census but
has been
postponed
to after 2026 Census due to the pandemic.
Concerns of Southern States
Southern States (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana) have
lower population growth rates due to successful
population
control
policies .
Between 1971-2011:
Northern States’ population share (Bihar, UP, MP, Rajasthan,
etc.) rose
from 44% to 48.2% .
Southern States’ share declined from 24.9% to 21.1% .
If delimitation is based on population , Southern States
may lose
Lok Sabha seats ,
affecting their representation in Parliament .
Impact of Differential Population Growth on Representation
Example from the 2024 General Elections:
Malkajgiri (Telangana) has 3.7 million electors
, while
Lakshadweep has
only 57,000 electors .
Idukki (Kerala) has 1.2 million electors ,
while
Bangalore
North
(Karnataka) has 3.2 million electors .
This imbalance affects representation and voting power .
Global Practices & Alternative Solutions
Canada’s Model: Uses correction mechanisms to
ensure smaller
provinces
do not
lose
representation .
Alternative Approach:
Consider factors like voter turnout, migration trends, and
population
density in determining constituencies.
Use fertility rate-adjusted population to decide seat
distribution.
Example: Tamil Nadu’s fertility rate = 1.67 , while some
northern
states
still have 2.3+ .
Applying a national average fertility rate can balance
representation
without penalizing Southern States for effective
population
control.
