- The process of redrawing electoral boundaries to reflect population changes, known as draught delimitation, is critical for ensuring fair representation and balanced distribution of constituencies.
- The recent delimitation procedure in Assam has drawn attention because to its impact on political dynamics.
Assam Delimitation
- The last delimitation in Assam was in 1976, based on 1971 census data, by the Delimitation Commission. Population shifts need boundary adjustments throughout time.
- Equitable Representation: Delimitation seeks to guarantee that constituency populations are approximately equal, ensuring fair representation.
- Delimitation orders have the force of law and are not subject to judicial review.
Delimitation Process
- Delimitation Commission: An impartial Delimitation Commission, comprised of retired Supreme Court justices, the Chief Election Commissioner, and State Election Commissioners, is created.
- Objectives: The Commission establishes the boundaries and number of constituencies, with the goal of achieving uniform population distribution.
- Reserved Seats: Based on population concentrations, the Commission identifies seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Delimitation Implementation
- Draught Proposals: To solicit public opinion, the Commission publishes draught proposals in official gazettes and media.
- Public Hearings: These are done to obtain opinions and objections.
- Final Order: Following consideration of objections and suggestions, the Commission publishes a final order, which is published in official gazettes and takes effect as stipulated.
Delimitation Periodicity
- Early Delimitation: The first delimitation was temporary, carried out by the President following India’s first general elections in 1950-51.
- Following the disappointment with the first exercise, subsequent delimitation was obliged to be carried out by independent commissioners.
- Delimitation happened in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002, all under Acts of the respective years.
Justification and postponement
- Delimitation was postponed following the 1981 and 1991 Censuses.
- Uniform Growth Rate: Following the 2001 Census, an amendment postponed delimitation until 2026, citing the need to achieve uniform population growth across India.
- The most recent Assam delimitation (2002-2008) modified boundaries based on 2001 Census data and reserved seat allocations.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/mixed-reactions-to-final-delimitation-order-for-assembly-and-parliamentary-constituencies-in-assam-101691834412699.html#:~:text=The%20EC%20in%20its%20order,for%20scheduled%20castes%20(SCs).