The Hindu Editorial Analysis
31 March 2026
Ensuring federalism within delimitation
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition, Page no.-10 )
Topic : GS 2: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
Why in news: Upcoming delimitation after the 2026 Census has revived debate on fair representation, population disparities, and whether seat allocation should include demographic performance alongside population size in India.
Key Details
- Article 81 of the Indian Constitution ensures equal representation based on population.
- Seat allocation has been frozen since 2002 until post-2026 Census.
- States show uneven population growth and fertility rates.
- Proposal suggests adding Demographic Performance (DemPer) to allocation criteria.
- Aim is to balance population-based representation with federal fairness.
Constitutional Basis and Delimitation Context
- Article 81 mandates equal population-to-seat ratio across States and earlier, population differences were minimal, so representation remained balanced (1951–1971).
- Today, significant demographic divergence exists among States.
- With the upcoming Census, delimitation of constituencies will resume soon.
- The issue has gained importance due to India’s rising population and regional disparities.
Freeze on Seats and Upcoming Changes
- The 84th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 froze seat allocation until after 2026.
- This was intended to encourage population control efforts by States.
- Lok Sabha seats will remain unchanged until post-2026 Census results.
- Census data is expected by 2028, followed by Delimitation Commission formation.
- The revised seat allocation may impact the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Population Trends and Fertility Differences
- Several States achieved replacement-level fertility (TFR 2.1) early, while others lagged.
- By 2021, only a few States (e.g., Bihar, U.P.) still had higher fertility rates.
- States with higher fertility still show significantly larger population growth.
- There remains a wide gap (about 45%) between high and low fertility States.
- These differences create imbalances in representation if only population is considered.
Proposal for Demographic Performance (DemPer)
- Suggestion to include Demographic Performance (DemPer) in seat allocation.
- Inspired by Finance Commission of India which uses similar criteria.
- Population size would still carry major weight, ensuring fairness.
- DemPer would consider:
- Early achievement of population control (10% weight)
- Rate of fertility decline (90% weight)
- This ensures all States gain seats, while rewarding better performance.
- It prevents States that controlled population from losing representation share.
Federal Balance and Way Forward
- The approach supports fair federalism, balancing numbers with equity.
- It recognises States as important political units, not just population figures.
- Helps reduce regional tensions (North–South divide).
- Suggests limiting Lok Sabha size to around 700 seats for effective functioning.
- Ensures better governance incentives and representation quality.
- Emphasises that population control efforts were made across many States, not just the South.
Conclusion
Delimitation after 2026 presents both a challenge and an opportunity to strengthen India’s federal democracy. While population must remain central, incorporating demographic performance can ensure fairness for States that achieved population control. A balanced approach will reduce regional tensions, protect incentives for good governance, and maintain equitable representation without undermining democratic principles or national unity.
Descriptive Question:
Q. “Delimitation in India must balance population-based representation with federal fairness.” Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks)