A case for a fair seat allocation

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Meaning of Readjustment and Delimitation

• Readjustment of Lok Sabha seats means changing the number of seats based on population after each Census.
• Delimitation means redrawing the boundaries of constituencies.
• Under Article 82 of the Constitution, seat readjustment must follow each Census to match population changes.
• The current strength of the Lok Sabha was fixed based on the 1971 Census when India’s population was around 54.79 crore.
• This number has been frozen till 2026 through a constitutional amendment.

Population Growth and Regional Disparities

• India’s estimated population in March 2025 is about 141 crore.
• Northern States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have seen very high population growth.
• For example, Uttar Pradesh’s population grew from 8.38 crore in 1971 to 24.1 crore in 2025.
• Bihar’s population grew from 4.21 crore in 1971 to 13.1 crore in 2025.
• Southern States successfully controlled their population growth, leading to smaller increases.

Possible Impact of Seat Readjustment

• In 1971, one Lok Sabha seat represented about 10 lakh people, and this ratio was similar across States.
• If the same formula is applied now, States with higher population growth will get many more seats.
• For instance, Uttar Pradesh may get 240 seats instead of 80, while Kerala may only get 36 instead of 20.
• If the ratio is changed to 15 lakh people per seat, Uttar Pradesh may get 160 seats, but Kerala may get only a few more than 20.
• If the Lok Sabha expands to 800 seats, each seat will represent around 18 lakh people.

Concerns of Southern States

• There are concerns that population control efforts by southern States will be punished by giving them fewer seats.
• A recent meeting of leaders from southern States pointed to the possibility of the issue becoming a strong rallying point.

Need for a Fair Formula

• A fair solution could be to use the State with the lowest population growth as the standard.
• Kerala’s population grew by 68% since 1971. Applying this 68% increase to all States will maintain balance.
• This formula will raise the Lok Sabha seats to 912 and maintain existing proportions among States.

Equity in Representation

• Article 81(2)(a), which requires equal seat-to-population ratio for all States, may no longer suit present needs.
• Seat allocation should be based on the principle of equity and sensitivity to regional differences.
• A fair system must protect the federal balance and reflect the Union nature of India.