Table of Contents
What is Delimitation?
Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies. In the context of India, the Delimitation Commission is responsible for carrying out the delimitation exercise every ten years to ensure that the number of voters in each constituency is roughly equal. This ensures that every citizen’s vote carries equal weight and that the electoral process is fair and transparent.
Objective of Delimitation Commission
Functions of Delimitation Commission
- Redrawing of boundaries: The primary function of the Delimitation Commission is to redraw the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies every ten years. The Commission uses the latest census data to determine the number of voters in each constituency and redraws the boundaries accordingly, taking into account factors such as topography, demographics, and transport infrastructure. This ensures that each constituency has a roughly equal number of voters and that every citizen’s vote carries equal weight.
- Determining the number of seats: The Commission is also responsible for determining the number of seats that each state and union territory will have in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament. This ensures that the allocation of seats is fair and transparent and that each state is represented in proportion to its population.
- Ensuring fair representation: The Delimitation Commission ensures that the electoral process is fair and transparent. It addresses the issue of malapportionment, where some constituencies have more voters than others, leading to unequal representation. By redrawing the boundaries of constituencies, the Commission ensures that every citizen’s vote carries equal weight and that each constituency has a roughly equal number of voters.
- Political neutrality: The Delimitation Commission operates independently of the government and political parties. It is a constitutional body, and its decisions are final and binding. The Commission’s decisions cannot be challenged in any court of law. This ensures that the delimitation exercise is conducted without any bias or political influence.
- Time-bound: The delimitation exercise is conducted every ten years, and the Commission is given a specific time frame to complete the exercise. The Commission must submit its report to the President of India within the stipulated time frame.
Composition of Delimitation Commission
Process of Delimitation
The process of delimitation in India involves the following steps:
- Constitution of the Delimitation Commission: The first step is the constitution of the Delimitation Commission. The Commission is appointed by the President of India and comprises a retired judge of the Supreme Court as its chairperson, along with ex-officio members, such as the Chief Election Commissioner and State Election Commissioners.
- Publication of draft proposals: The Delimitation Commission publishes draft proposals for the delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies in the Gazette of India and local newspapers. The draft proposals are open to public scrutiny and objections.
- Consideration of objections: The Delimitation Commission considers objections and suggestions received from the public and makes modifications to the draft proposals as it deems fit.
- Final publication of proposals: The Delimitation Commission publishes the final proposals for the delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies in the Gazette of India and local newspapers.
- Notification by the government: The government notifies the final proposals, which come into force on a date specified by the government. The constituencies are reorganized, and new boundaries are demarcated.
- Allocation of seats: The Delimitation Commission also determines the number of seats that each state and union territory will have in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament. The allocation of seats is based on the latest census data and the principle of proportional representation.
- Reorganization of administrative units: The delimitation exercise may also involve the reorganization of administrative units, such as districts and tehsils, to ensure that they are aligned with the new boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies. Continue Reading: Delimitation Commission UPSC.
Significance of Delimitation Commission
The Delimitation Commission plays a crucial role in Indian democracy by ensuring that every citizen’s vote carries equal weight. By redrawing the boundaries of the constituencies, the Commission ensures that each constituency has a roughly equal number of voters. This ensures that the democratic principle of “one person, one vote” is upheld, and that no citizen is denied their right to representation.
By using the latest census data and taking into account various factors such as demographics and topography, the Commission ensures that the boundaries of the constituencies are redrawn in a manner that is objective and impartial.
Another significant role played by the Delimitation Commission is in addressing the issue of malapportionment. Malapportionment is the unequal distribution of voters across constituencies, which can lead to some citizens having a disproportionate influence in the electoral process. By redrawing the boundaries of the constituencies, the Commission ensures that malapportionment is minimized. Continue Reading: Delimitation Commission UPSC
History of Delimitation Commission in India
Criticism
The Delimitation Commission of India has been subject to criticism from various quarters, including political parties, civil society groups, and experts. Some of the criticisms are as follows:
- Delay in conducting delimitation exercise: The Delimitation Commission is supposed to conduct the delimitation exercise every ten years, as per the Constitution. However, the exercise has been delayed on several occasions, resulting in malapportionment and unequal representation.
- Lack of transparency: The delimitation exercise is often criticized for its lack of transparency. The process of redrawing boundaries is not always open to public scrutiny, and there are concerns about political influence and bias.
- Failure to address gerrymandering: Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating boundaries to gain political advantage. The Delimitation Commission has been criticized for its failure to address gerrymandering, resulting in some parties benefiting more than others.
- Inadequate representation of marginalized communities: There are concerns that the Delimitation Commission has not done enough to ensure adequate representation of marginalized communities, such as women, Dalits, and Adivasis. Some argue that the delimitation exercise has perpetuated existing inequalities and marginalized certain sections of society.
- Disruptive impact on local communities: The delimitation exercise often results in the splitting of villages and other local communities, which can have a disruptive impact on their social and cultural fabric. This can also lead to administrative and governance challenges.
Delimitation Commission in 2000
The 2000 delimitation exercise was carried out under the Delimitation Commission Act, 2002, which replaced the earlier Delimitation Commission Act, 1952. The 2000 exercise was carried out based on the 1991 census data, as the 2001 census data was not available at that time.
The main objective of the 2000 delimitation exercise was to ensure that each constituency had a roughly equal number of voters.
Comparison between the Delimitation Commission and the Election Commission of India
| Delimitation Commission | Election Commission of India | |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | A body of five members | A body of three members |
| Objective | Redrawing of electoral boundaries to ensure that each constituency has roughly the same number of voters | Conducting free and fair elections at all levels, including parliamentary and state elections |
| Appointed by | The President of India | The President of India on the advice of the Prime Minister |
| Tenure | 10 years | 6 years |
| Role in Elections | Plays a role in determining the number of seats each state will have in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies | Conducts elections, including the announcement of dates, overseeing the nomination process, and ensuring that polling is free and fair |
| Use of Technology | Uses GIS technology to redraw electoral boundaries | Uses various technologies to improve the efficiency of the electoral process, including electronic voting machines, voter identity cards, and online voter registration |
| Challenges Faced | Population growth and geographical constraints | Ensuring that the electoral process is free and fair, managing voter turnout, and addressing issues such as voter fraud and election violence |
| Criticisms Received | Bias towards rural areas and the splitting of communities | Allegations of bias and favoritism, lack of transparency, and failure to prevent electoral fraud and violence |
Summary: Delimitation Commission for UPSC
- The Delimitation Commission of India is a constitutional body responsible for redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies every ten years.
- The first Delimitation Commission was set up in 1952, and subsequent exercises were carried out in 1963, 1973, 1983, 1993, and 2002.
- The Commission uses the latest census data to determine the number of voters in each constituency and redraws the boundaries accordingly, taking into account factors such as topography, demographics, and transport infrastructure.
- The Commission is also responsible for determining the number of seats that each state and union territory will have in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament.
- The Delimitation Commission plays a crucial role in Indian democracy by ensuring that every citizen’s vote carries equal weight.
- The Commission also ensures that the electoral process is fair and transparent, and addresses the issue of malapportionment.
- The 2000 delimitation exercise was carried out under the Delimitation Commission Act, 2002, and based on the 1991 census data as the 2001 census data was not available at that time. Its main objective was to ensure that each constituency had a roughly equal number of voters.
Questions: Delimitation Commission for UPSC
Question 1: Which of the following is NOT a function of the Delimitation Commission in India?
A. Determining the number of seats for each state in the Lok Sabha
B. Reorganizing administrative units like districts and tehsils
C. Conducting elections in the country
D. Delimiting the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies
Answer: C. Conducting elections in the country
Explanation: The Delimitation Commission in India is responsible for delimiting the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies, determining the number of seats for each state in the Lok Sabha, and reorganizing administrative units like districts and tehsils. However, conducting elections in the country is the responsibility of the Election Commission of India. The Election Commission is responsible for overseeing the conduct of elections, including voter registration, polling, and counting of votes. Therefore, option C is not a function of the Delimitation Commission in India.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a criterion for delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies in India?
A. Geographical compactness
B. Continuity of area
C. Population density
D. Religious composition
Answer: D. Religious composition
Explanation: The Delimitation Commission in India considers several criteria while delimiting parliamentary and assembly constituencies, such as geographical compactness, continuity of area, and population density. However, religious composition is not a criterion that is taken into account while delimiting constituencies.
Question 3: Who appoints the members of the Delimitation Commission in India?
A. President of India
B. Prime Minister of India
C. Chief Justice of India
D. Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Answer: A. President of India
Explanation: The members of the Delimitation Commission in India are appointed by the President of India. The Commission comprises a chairperson, who is a retired judge of the Supreme Court, along with ex-officio members, such as the Chief Election Commissioner and State Election Commissioners.
Question 4: Which of the following is a criticism of the Delimitation Commission in India?
A. It does not take into account population density while delimiting constituencies.
B. It is subject to political influence and bias.
C. It is not transparent in its operations.
D. It does not have the power to allocate seats in the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: B. It is subject to political influence and bias.
Explanation: One of the criticisms of the Delimitation Commission in India is that it is subject to political influence and bias. The Commission is appointed by the government, and its members may be influenced by political considerations while delimiting constituencies. There are also concerns about the transparency of the Commission’s operations, especially in the context of sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir. However, it is important to note that the Commission is expected to operate independently and conduct the delimitation exercise with neutrality and transparency.
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