Delimitation Exercise of Assam

In News

• Recently, the Election Commission of India has begun the process of delimitation of Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies in Assam.

More about the news

• About delimitation exercise in Assam:
  • About:
    • The last delimitation of constituencies in Assam was done on the basis of census figures of 1971 by the then Delimitation Commission in 1976.
    • In March 2020, the Centre notified a Delimitation Commission for Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland.
  • Mandate:
    • Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act allows for the delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur or Nagaland.
  • Status of Population:
    • In 1971, Assam’s population was 1.46 crore. 
    • In 2001, it increased to 2.66 crore and to 3.12 crore in 2011.
  • Status of current representation:
    • The State has 14 Lok Sabha, 126 Assembly and seven Rajya Sabha seats.
    • The term of the current Assam Legislative Assembly will end on May 20, 2026. 
• EC’s process & directives:
  • The process will be based on Census data from 2001.
  • During the delimitation exercise, the Commission will consider the following things:
    • The physical features, 
    • Existing boundaries of administrative units, 
    • Facility of communication, 
    • Public convenience and 
    • As far as practicable, the constituencies will be kept as geographically compact areas.
  • The EC also issued a directive banning the creation of new administrative units in the state with effect from January 1 next year until completion of the delimitation exercise in the state.
• Issues & criticisms:
  • The state Opposition is questioning why the delimitation exercise is being done on the basis of the 2001 Census, and not the 2011 Census.
    • According to critics, the 2011 Census figures are available and the 2021 Census process must also be accounted for to conduct the delimitation process.
  • Concerned Pressure Groups opined to stop the delimitation till the NRC is final. 
• EC’s response:
  • As mandated under Article 170 of the Constitution, census figures (2001) shall be used for the purpose of readjustment of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies in the State. 
  • Reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will be provided as per Articles 330 & 332 of the Constitution of India.

More about the Delimitation Commission: 

• About:
  • The Delimitation Commission in India is a high-power body whose orders have the force of law.
  • Its orders cannot be called in question before any court.
  • These orders come into force on a date to be specified by the President of India on this behalf.
  • The copies of its orders are laid before the House of the People and the State Legislative Assembly concerned, but no modifications are permissible therein by them.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Article 82: This provides the Parliament with the authority to enact a Delimitation Act after every Census.
  • Article 170: This provides for the  States to get divided into territorial constituencies as per the Delimitation Act after every Census.
• Functions:
  • To determine the number and boundaries of constituencies in a way that the population of all seats, so far as practicable, is the same.
  • Identifying seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes wherever their population is relatively large.
  • In case of difference of opinion among members of the Commission, the will of majority prevails.
• Composition:
  • The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India includes following members:
  • Retired Supreme Court judge
  • Chief Election Commissioner
  • Respective State Election Commissioners.
• Frequency:
  • In India, such Delimitation Commissions have been constituted 4 times:
  • In 1952 under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952
  • In 1963 under Delimitation Commission Act, 1962
  • In 1973 under Delimitation Act, 1972
  • In 2002 under Delimitation Act, 2002.

Source: IE