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In short:
Delimitation is the formal process of fixing the number of seats in each state.
What is delimitation?
- Delimitation is the formal process of fixing the number of seats in each state.
- It also fixes the territorial boundaries of each constituency.
- It applies to elections to the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabha.
- It aims to keep the ratio of seats to population as equal as possible.
What delimitation fixes
Number of seats
how many seats each State gets
Boundaries
the territorial limits of each constituency
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It applies to the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabha, so that seats and population stay in balance
Why do constituency boundaries need to change?
- Constituency boundaries are not permanently fixed.
- Population density shifts over time through migration and other changes.
- Without delimitation, one MP could represent 5 lakh voters and another 25 lakh.
- That would defeat the democratic principle of equal representation.
Why boundaries have to be redrawn
Population shifts
migration and growth change where people live
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The old map stays put
constituency boundaries are not permanently fixed
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Representation goes unequal
one MP could stand for 5 lakh voters and another for 25 lakh
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Delimitation redraws the map so that every vote carries roughly the same weight
What is the Delimitation Commission?
- Article 82 mandates the setting up of a Delimitation Commission after each census.
- It redraws the boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly constituencies.
Beyond the textbook. It is a high-powered statutory body appointed by the President of India, and it works from the most recent census data.
The Delimitation Commission
Delimitation Commission
Article 82, after every census
What it does
Redraws Lok Sabha constituency boundaries
Redraws State Legislative Assembly boundaries
Keeps the seat-to-population ratio as equal as possible
Note:
Set up after each census
Who sets it up
A high-powered statutory body
Appointed by the President of India
Works from the most recent census data
Note:
Beyond the textbook
India's four Delimitation Commissions
1952
the first Commission
1963
the second
1973
the third
2002
the fourth, and the latest
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The 29-year gap after 1973 came from a constitutional freeze under the 42nd Amendment, 1976
📜 Don't Miss Out
- Article 82 of the Constitution mandates a Delimitation Commission after each census.
- India has set up four Delimitation Commissions, in 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002.
📜 Don't Miss Out
- Can you find out the reason for the long interval between 1973 and 2002 with the help of your teacher?
Show Answer
Sample answer. The 29-year gap came from a constitutional freeze, brought in by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. The freeze stopped states that had successfully carried out family planning and population control from losing parliamentary seats to states with higher population growth.
1. What is the main objective of delimitation?
Show answer
To keep the ratio of seats to population as equal as possible across constituencies.
2. Which Article of the Constitution provides for a Delimitation Commission?
Show answer
Article 82.
3. In which years were Delimitation Commissions set up in India?
Show answer
In 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002.
📝 What Have We Learned
- Delimitation is the formal process of fixing the number of seats in each state.
- It aims to keep the ratio of seats to population as equal as possible.
- Article 82 of the Constitution mandates a Delimitation Commission after each census.
