Core Demand of the Question
- Discuss the implications of a population-based delimitation.
- Mention Factors like economic contribution and social development considered in the delimitation process.
- Mention factors beyond Population briefly, or as micro-diagram.
- Way forward for delimitation approach.
|
Answer
Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies based on changes in population to ensure equal representation. However, a purely population-based delimitation as proposed after the freeze is lifted in 2026 raises equity concerns for states that have effectively implemented population control measures.
Implications of Population-Based Delimitation
- Penalises Population Control Success: States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, which implemented family planning early, risk losing political weight.
For example: Kerala’s population share is shrinking, yet its parliamentary seats remain capped, unlike rapidly growing states like Uttar Pradesh.
- Political Power Shifts to High-Population States: Northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, with higher population growth, are likely to gain more Lok Sabha seats post-2026.
For example: Uttar Pradesh alone could exceed 90 seats, further centralize political power.
- Distortion of Fiscal Federalism: Redistribution of resources through Finance Commission may become skewed if representation favors poorer, high-population states.
- Erosion of Cooperative Federalism: The perceived political disadvantage may reduce trust and cooperation between centre and southern or northeastern states.
For example: Southern Ministers (e.g., Kerala, TN) have voiced concerns about “demographic injustice” in Parliament.
- Undermines Governance Incentives: Punishing population control success discourages states from investing in social development and sustainable planning.
Factors like economic contribution and social development considered in the delimitation process
- To Reward States for Effective Population Control: States that met family planning and fertility targets should not be penalized with reduced political power.
For example: Kerala and Tamil Nadu achieved below-replacement fertility by early 2000s but risk losing seats post-2026 if only population is considered.
- To Reflect Economic Contribution to National Growth: States contributing more to GDP and taxes deserve greater say in national policy making.
For example: Maharashtra contributes ~14% to India’s GDP and Karnataka leads in IT exports, yet both may have reduced representation under a purely population-based approach.
- To Encourage Good Governance and Development: Recognizing social development (education, health, gender parity) would incentivize states to invest in human capital.
For example: Kerala’s top ranking in Human Development Index (HDI) shows sustained investment in social sectors.
- To Preserve the Federal Balance of Power: Over-representation of populous but underdeveloped states may skew national priorities and weaken cooperative federalism.
For example: Uttar Pradesh may gain 10–12 Lok Sabha seats, amplifying its voice over more economically developed southern states.
- To Address Inter-State Fiscal Equity: States with better fiscal management and tax collection support national schemes more and should have proportional influence.
For example: Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are consistently among top tax-contributing states.
Factors Beyond Population That Should Be Considered in Delimitation
- Economic Contribution to National GDP: States contributing more to the national economy should have proportionate political influence.
For example: Maharashtra (14% of India’s GDP) and Tamil Nadu (9%) contribute far more than Uttar Pradesh (8%) despite having smaller populations.
- Per Capita Tax Revenue: States generating higher per capita tax revenues support national fiscal health and deserve a stronger voice in decision-making.
For example: Karnataka and Delhi have among the highest per capita tax collections but fewer seats than more populous states.
- Human Development Indicators (HDI): States with better outcomes in health, education, and gender equity demonstrate stronger governance and social investment.
For example: Kerala leads the country in literacy and life expectancy but may be underrepresented if only population is considered.
- Implementation of National Population Policy Goals: States that effectively controlled population growth in line with national targets should be rewarded, not penalized.
For example: Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh achieved replacement-level fertility rates well before northern counterparts.
- Urbanisation and Infrastructure Contribution: Highly urbanized states play a central role in industrialisation, employment, and digital growth.
For example: Gujarat and Telangana drive India’s export economy but may see stagnant representation under a population-only model.
- Social Sector Spending and Welfare Efficiency: States with higher investments in health, education, and welfare should have more say in national policy making.
For example: Kerala spends ~40% of its budget on social sectors, reflecting progressive governance deserving greater voice.
- Inclusivity and Minority Representation: States that have ensured inclusive governance and representation for marginalized groups should be politically empowered.
For example: Sikkim and Nagaland have exemplary tribal inclusion models but risk political sidelining due to small populations.
|
Way Forward
- Weighted Representation Model: Introduce a composite index combining population, development, and economic performance.
For example: Similar models are used in the Finance Commission’s devolution formula.
- Increase Rajya Sabha’s Role: Strengthen federal safeguards through greater weightage for the Council of States in national decision-making.
- Constitutional Amendment Debate: If consensus emerges, Parliament can debate amending Article 81 to incorporate developmental metrics.
- Preserve the Federal Ethos: The delimitation process must protect the spirit of cooperative federalism, not just its structural form.
While population-based delimitation ensures equal representation in principle, it risks penalising progressive states that upheld national population policies. A more nuanced approach integrating economic contribution, governance, and development can ensure fairer and more inclusive political representation in a truly federal democracy.
To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.
April 11, 2025
0
Latest Comments