Answer:

Introduction:

Delimitation is an imperative exercise that ensures electoral constituencies are reshaped in line with population changes. The democratic principle of ‘One Person, One Vote, One Value’ enunciates the essence of equal representation for every citizen.

Body:

Constitutional Provisions and Historical Context:

• Article 82 mandates the Parliament to enact a Delimitation Act post every Census, ensuring periodic redrawing of electoral boundaries.
• Article 170 provides for the delimitation of territorial constituencies in States after every Census.
• The first delimitation exercise, conducted under the President’s aegis with the Election Commission’s assistance, was during 1950-51.
• The Delimitation Commission Act was first enacted in 1952, and Delimitation Commissions have subsequently been constituted four times: 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002.
• The 87th Amendment Act of 2003 specified the use of the 2001 census for delimitation while retaining the seat allotment from the 1971 Census.

Significance of ‘One Person, One Vote, One Value’ Principle:

• It signifies that every citizen’s vote carries equal weight, irrespective of their social, economic, or geographical standing.
• It ensures that each elected representative represents roughly the same number of people.

Upholding the Principle: 

• Objective Basis: Delimitation, by definition, seeks to ensure constituencies have roughly equivalent populations.
  • For example, An MP from Rajasthan ideally should represent a similar number of people as an MP from Punjab.
• Protection of Minority Rights: Reserved constituencies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are demarcated based on their population proportions.
  • For example, Constituencies in regions with dense tribal populations, like Jharkhand, are reserved to ensure their representation.
• Periodic Revaluation: Regular delimitation exercises realign boundaries to account for demographic changes.
  • For example, Urban migration has led to a population increase in cities, warranting adjustments in their representation.
• Transparency & Fairness: The Delimitation Commission operates independently, ensuring unbiased and just decisions.
  • For example, The commission constituted in 2002 worked without succumbing to political pressures.
• Inclusion of All Stakeholders: By involving all states, the process takes into consideration the unique demographic and geographic aspects of each region.
  • For example, Hill regions or those with difficult terrains are delineated with their topography in mind.

Compromising the Principle:

• Stagnation in Seat Allocation: Despite multiple delimitation exercises, the seat allocation based on the 1971 Census hasn’t been revised, causing discrepancies.
  • States that effectively controlled population growth, like Kerala, faced underrepresentation compared to states with higher population growth.
• Census-Based Discrepancies: The 87th Amendment directed the use of the 2001 Census for delimitation but retained the 1971 Census-based seat allocation. No delimitation was carried out after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses.
  • This resulted in boundary adjustments reflecting newer population data, but the actual seat numbers remained unchanged.
• Cap on Seats: The Constitution has set a cap on Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats at 550 and 250, respectively.
  • As populations increase, this leads to more substantial constituencies, and potentially, dilution of the ‘One Person, One Vote, One Value’ principle.
• Potential for Biased Representation: States that haven’t controlled their population could potentially have a greater say in national affairs, inadvertently penalizing states that managed their populations better.
  • For example, The southern states, which significantly promoted family planning, could witness their influence diminish in national affairs if their seat allocation reduces.
• Postponed Delimitations: Bypassing delimitation after certain censuses means long gaps without adjusting boundaries, even as populations shift and grow.
  • This has led to disparities where urban centers, with significant growth since the 1971 Census, might be underrepresented relative to their current populations.

Conclusion: 

The principle of ‘One Person, One Vote, One Value’ is integral to ensuring democratic justice and equality in India. While the process of delimitation seeks to uphold this principle, certain constitutional provisions and historical decisions have posed challenges. For a more equitable democracy, it’s imperative to periodically revisit and revise these frameworks in alignment with contemporary needs.