Answer:

Introduction

Delimitation is the redrawing of constituency boundaries to ensure fair representation and equitable seat distribution based on population changes, as per Article 82 of the Indian Constitution. In India, delimitation commission have been constituted 4 times: 1952 under Delimitation Commission Act, 1952; in 1963 under Delimitation Commission Act, 1962; in 1973 under Delimitation Act 1972; and recently in 2002 under Delimitation Commission Act 2002.

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Need of the Delimitation:

• Population Changes: Delimitation accounts for population changes in India over time. For example, comparing the 1971 and 2011 Censuses, UP witnessed substantial population growth, becoming the most populous state with over 199 million people in 2011, while states like Goa have smaller populations.
• Addressing Disparity: e.g. the average MP from Rajasthan represents over 30 lakh people while the one in Tamil Nadu and Kerala represents only 18 lakh people and thus has more say.
• Urbanization: Urbanization prompts constituency boundary adjustments to accommodate growing urban populations and ensure representation. For instance, In Telangana’s Hyderabad, significant expansion necessitated delimitation for adequate urban population representation.
• Electoral Malpractices: Delimitation minimizes electoral malpractices like gerrymandering, as seen in Manipur. It creates balanced constituencies, reducing the opportunity for manipulating boundaries to favor a specific political party or group.
• Inadequate Representation: Another drawback of the previous delimitation process in India was the inadequate representation of minorities and disadvantaged groups, as highlighted by the Sachar Committee report.

Criticism of the Need of Delimitation:

• Difficult Control of Presiding Officer: Increasing the number of seats through delimitation can make it challenging for the presiding officer to effectively manage the proceedings.
• Difficult Working of the House: With reduced time for activities like the zero hour and question hour, delimitation may lead to difficulties in the functioning of the legislative house.
• Potential North-South Divide: Delimitation may lead to a concentration of power and representation in Hindi-speaking states, widening the north-south divide in India.
• Disproportionate Loss for South Indian States: Reallocation of seats based on projected population could result in South Indian states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana losing a significant number of seats.
  
• Potential Unfairness: Redistributing seats based solely on population proportion may unfairly penalize states with successful family planning, neglecting their population control efforts.

Way Forward

• Comprehensive Review and Data-driven Approach: Conduct an accurate, data-based review for a fair delimitation process that considers population changes and shifts.
• Maintain Regional Balance and Equitable Representation: by considering socio-cultural and linguistic characteristics, ensuring fair political representation nationwide.
• Seek Consultation and Consensus: with stakeholders, including political parties, community leaders, and civil society organizations, to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and consensus in the delimitation process.
• Address Concerns of Disproportionate Impact: by considering factors like family planning and unique demographics during delimitation.

Conclusion

In anticipation of future demographic shifts and electoral dynamics, a timely and comprehensive delimitation of parliamentary constituencies is crucial for India, enabling equitable representation, inclusive governance, and responsive democratic processes.

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