Why in the News?
- The Centre has proposed inter-State redistribution of Lok Sabha seats based on the 2011 Census, along with implementing 33% women’s reservation.
Key Proposals
1. Fresh Delimitation
- Based on latest published Census (likely 2011)
- Ends earlier freeze based on 1971 Census
- Mandates readjustment of seats among States
2. Increase in Lok Sabha Strength
- Current: 543 seats
- Proposed:
- Up to 850 seats
- Around 815 for States
- 35 for Union Territories
3. Women’s Reservation
- 33% reservation in Lok Sabha & State Assemblies
- Linked to:
- Delimitation
- Census-based seat allocation
Major Impact
Shift in Representation
- Hindi heartland States
- Share increases: 38.1% → 43.1%
- Southern States
- Share decreases: 24.3% → 20.7%
Examples of Seat Changes
- Uttar Pradesh: +58 seats (80 → ~138)
- Bihar: 40 → 72
- Maharashtra: 48 → 78
- Tamil Nadu: 39 → 50
- Kerala: 20 → 23
Constitutional Background
Current System
- Seat allocation based on:
- 1971 Census (inter-State)
- 2001 Census (intra-State)
Relevant Articles
- Article 81 — Composition of Lok Sabha
- Article 82 — Readjustment after Census
Freeze
- Delimitation frozen till 2026
- Reason: Promote population control policies
| [2024] Consider the following statements regarding ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’: 1 Provisions will come into effect from the 18th Lok Sabha. 2 This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act. 3 There are provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes Women within the quota reserved for the Scheduled Castes. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only |
