Why in news
- Debate continues over post-census delimitation and maintaining the fixed Lok Sabha strength at 543 seats to ensure federal equity.
What is the Delimitation framework?
- Process of fixing boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country based on recent census data under Article 82 and Article 170.
- The 84th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2001 froze the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha at 543 until the first census after 2026.
Key constitutional provisions
- Article 81 mandates uniform ratio between seat count and population across States as far as practicable.
- Article 82 requires realignment of seats following each census by a statutory Delimitation Commission.
- The 42nd Amendment Act initially froze seat allocation based on the 1971 Census to encourage population control efforts.
Why it matters
- Unrestricted population-proportional delimitation risks penalising southern States that successfully implemented national family planning policies.
- Federal stability requires balancing democratic representation (one vote, one value) with equal state participation.
Key terms
Delimitation Commission
High-power body appointed by the President whose orders have the force of law and cannot be questioned before any court.
Prelims facts
- Delimitation Commission orders cannot be challenged in any court of law.
- Current state-wise allocation of seats in Lok Sabha is based on the 1971 Census.
Mains discussion
- Examine federal equity concerns arising from post-2026 delimitation and structural solutions to balance representation.
Source: The Hindu Lead
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2024 · Q71 · General Studies · 2 marks
How many Delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Government of India till December 2023? -
2020 · Q13 · GS II · 15 marks
The strength sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of 'Functions, Functionaries and Funs' to the contemporary stage of 'Functionality'. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. -
2023 · Q12 · GS II · 15 marks
Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. -
2021 · Q14 · GS II · 15 marks
Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. -
2025 · Q58 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India : I. List I-Union List, in the Sevent Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State III. Conditions of the Governor's office For a constitutional amendment with respect to which of the above, ratification by the Legislatures of not less than one-half of the States is required before presenting the bill to the President of India for assent?