Centre Proposes Lok Sabha Seat Redistribution Based on 2011 Census, Southern States to Lose Share
The Union government has circulated drafts of a Constitution Amendment Bill and a Delimitation Bill proposing to redistribute Lok Sabha seats based on the 2011 Census, aiming to increase the total strength to 850. This move, linked to implementing 33% women's reservation, is contentious as it would shrink the representation of southern states (from 24.3% to 20.7%) while increasing that of Hindi heartland states (from 38.1% to 43.1%). States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and Punjab have opposed this, advocating for an extension of the existing freeze on seat readjustment beyond 2026.
Key Points
- The government proposes to redistribute Lok Sabha seats based on the 2011 Census, potentially increasing the total strength to 850 members.
- This initiative is linked to the operationalisation of 33% women's reservation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
- Southern states are projected to lose parliamentary representation, while Hindi heartland states are expected to gain significantly.
- The move removes the existing constitutional freeze on seat readjustment, which was based on the 1971 Census and extended until after 2026.
- Several Chief Ministers have voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about federal structure and political implications.
Exam Facts
- The proposed legislation includes the Constitution (131st) Amendment Bill and a Delimitation Bill.
- Currently, Lok Sabha seats are distributed based on the 1971 Census for inter-State allocation and the 2001 Census for intra-State boundaries, frozen until after 2026 (Article 82).
- The proposed maximum strength of Lok Sabha is 850 seats (815 for States, 35 for UTs).
- The share of Hindi heartland states is projected to rise from 38.1% to 43.1%, while southern states' share would shrink from 24.3% to 20.7%.
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