DELIMITATION & WOMEN’S RESERVATION

NEWS: The Union Government plans: Early Delimitation exercise, To implement Women’s Reservation Act, 2023

Delimitation

• Delimitation = Redrawing boundaries of constituencies
• Done to: Ensure equal representation based on population

Key Proposal in News

• Increase in Lok Sabha SeatsàCurrent seats: 543, Proposed seats: 816= Increase of 273 seats
• Women’s Reservationà 33% seats reserved for womenà Based on: Women’s Reservation Act, 2023
• Timelineà Amendment Bill likely: In Budget Session or Special Session
• Implementation: Before 2029 elections

Concerns of States

• Population-Based Representation Issue
  • Delimitation based on population may: Benefit high population States (North India)
  • Disadvantage low population growth States (South India)
• Southern States’ Concern
  • States that successfully controlled population may: Lose representation in Parliament
• Proposed Solution
  • Government may: Maintain existing proportion of seats among States
  • But: Total seats will increase (~50% rise)

Conclusion

• Delimitation + Women’s quota = Major electoral reform
• Key challenge: Balancing representation vs regional equity
• Critical for: 2029 Lok Sabha elections