Delimitation exercise post-2026 Census: Balancing population and demographic performance for federal fairness
India's delimitation exercise, due after the 2026 Census, will re-evaluate Lok Sabha seat allocation based on population, as mandated by Article 81. The 84th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, froze seat numbers until 2026 to incentivize population stabilization. The article proposes incorporating a "Demographic Performance" (DemPer) principle alongside population size for allocating additional seats, rewarding states that achieved lower Total Fertility Rates (TFRs) earlier or showed significant decline. This approach aims to balance democratic equality with federal fairness, reduce regional resentment, and protect incentives for good governance, ensuring states that controlled population growth do not lose their seat share. The author argues against increasing Lok Sabha size beyond 700 to maintain meaningful debate.
Key Points
- The delimitation exercise, due after the 2026 Census, will determine Lok Sabha seat allocation based on population.
- The 84th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, froze seat numbers until 2026 to encourage population stabilization.
- A "Demographic Performance" (DemPer) principle is proposed to reward states for achieving lower Total Fertility Rates (TFRs).
- This approach aims to balance democratic equality with federal fairness and prevent states with successful population control from losing representation.
- The article suggests limiting the Lok Sabha size to a maximum of 700 to ensure effective debate and representation.
Exam Facts
- Article 81 of the Constitution governs the distribution of seats in the Lok Sabha based on population.
- The 84th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, extended the freeze on Lok Sabha seats until after the first Census post-2026.
- The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1 births per woman is considered the replacement level for population stabilization.
- The Finance Commission (FC) uses population size (50% weight) and demographic performance as criteria for allocating finances.
- Santosh Mehrotra is a former Professor of Economics, JNU.
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