Delimitation and Finance Devolution: Federal Concerns
Why in the news
Debate over redrawing Lok Sabha constituencies and sharing funds with States intensified in Parliament and State Assemblies. The worry is that both could tilt the federal balance.
Key facts
- Between 1951 and 1971, seats grew roughly in step with population.
- Persons per seat went from 7.3 lakh to 10.1 lakh; the total was then frozen at 543.
- The seat freeze running since 1971 ends in 2026.
- If trends persist, seats could reach 753, with about 20 lakh people per seat.
- Peninsular States, whose population grew slowly, may lose weight against Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
| Year / stage | Seats | People per seat |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Lower, rising with population | 7.3 lakh |
| 1971 (freeze) | 543 | 10.1 lakh |
| Projected after 2026 | 753 | About 20 lakh |
Financial devolution link
- The 15th Finance Commission based its population criterion on the 2011 Census rather than 1971 figures.
- It added a demographic performance weightage to reward States with slower growth but better development outcomes.
Concerns
- A per capita approach hides regional disparities.
- Gender and caste-based reservations complicate any new exercise.
- The makeup of a population matters as much as its headcount for rights and entitlements.
Way forward
- Consider population density instead of raw numbers; the North-East already has more seats than its small population would suggest.
- Even with the status quo on shares, the total seats should grow.
- Use a scientific, demographic-based method that weighs regional traits, history and socio-economic factors.
Exam angle
- Freeze on seat allocation: in place since 1971, ends 2026.
- Census used by the 15th Finance Commission: 2011.
- Key idea: demographic performance weightage; density as an alternative to headcount.