14 November 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. The perfect cocktail of layered discrimination

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice, GS2 – Indian Polity

Context

The issue of delimitation in India, which involves redrawing Lok Sabha constituency boundaries based on population, is gaining prominence. The demographic disparities between Hindi-speaking and non-Hindi-speaking states could lead to major political shifts. This threatens to undermine India’s federal structure, fostering regional inequalities and alienation.

Introduction: Delimitation as a Critical Issue

• Delimitation, a process of recalibrating the number of Lok Sabha seats per state based on population, is set to become a major issue in India.
• Previous leaders like Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee deferred the issue, recognizing its explosive potential.
• The current generation is now at a crossroads regarding how to address this challenge.

Federalism and India’s Political Structure

• India is a federal union, with states as the federating units, primarily based on language and ethnicity.
• The Supreme Court has emphasised that states are not arbitrary administrative units but political entities.
• Indian unity was forged in the struggle against British imperialism, and it continues through a balance of power distribution between states.

What is Delimitation?

According to Article 82 of the Indian Constitution, delimitation recalculates the number of Lok Sabha seats after every Census based on population. The process was last conducted based on the 1971 Census. The Indira Gandhi and Vajpayee governments suspended delimitation for 25 years each. The freeze will end in 2026, unless a new amendment is passed. The central government has hinted at a fresh delimitation before the 2029 elections.

The Threat of Delimitation

• Disproportionate Impact on Non-Hindi States: States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, with low fertility rates (1.6-1.8), may see a significant reduction in their representation in Parliament. In contrast, Hindi-speaking states with higher fertility rates (around 3.5) could see an increase in seats, thus strengthening the political dominance of Hindi heartland states.
• If delimitation occurs, southern states’ parliamentary seats would drop from 25% to 17%, while Hindi heartland states’ share would increase from 40% to 60%.
• Discriminatory Fund Allocation: States such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka contribute more in taxes but receive significantly less in return compared to states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The 16th Finance Commission further exacerbates this imbalance.

Risks of Majoritarianism and Regional Alienation

• India’s diversity of ethno-linguistic groups, unlike countries like China or Russia, is central to its federalism.
• However, with demographic changes and population growth concentrated in the Hindi-speaking regions, there is a risk that these states could dominate national policy at the expense of more developed, non-Hindi states.
• Delimitation could lead to reduced representation for non-Hindi states in Union affairs, diminishing their influence despite contributing a disproportionate share of GDP and taxes.

Proposed Solutions

1. Extend the Freeze: Like previous governments, extend the freeze on delimitation for another 25 years, leaving the issue for future generations.
2. Permanently Freeze Delimitation: Discontinue any future redistribution of seats across states.
3. Implement Delimitation with New Federal Compact: Proceed with delimitation but simultaneously restructure federalism by transferring more powers to the states, especially on matters currently under the Concurrent List.
4. Increase Seats in Existing States: Retain the current seat allocation but increase the number of seats in each state to counterbalance the population growth in certain states.

Conclusion: The Need for Balance

• India’s federal structure is a unique experiment in diversity, unlike any other nation-state.
• Delimitation must be handled carefully to avoid disrupting the delicate balance of power and to preserve India’s unity.

Practice Question:  Delimitation, if implemented without balancing federal principles, could exacerbate regional disparities in India. Discuss the potential impact of delimitation on India’s federal structure and suggest measures to preserve equitable representation across states. (250 Words /15 marks)