Relevance: GS1,SEC2; GS2-SEC2

1. Constitutional Basis & Timeline

→ Article 82 & 170
→ Delimitation Commission after every census
→ Freeze imposed in 1976 (42nd Amendment)
→ Extended till 2026 (84th Amendment)

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2. Upcoming 2026 Delimitation: Key Trigger

→ Based on latest census data
→ Redistribution of Lok Sabha & Assembly seats
→ Proportional to population

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3. Southern States’ Concerns

🟠 Successfully implemented population control
🟠 Lower population share → Fewer seats
🟠 Reduction in political influence
🟠 Loss of central fund share
🟠 Perceived threat to federal structure

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4. Northern Advantage

🟢 Higher population growth
🟢 Potential seat gain
🟢 Greater say in national policymaking

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5. Broader Implications

⚠️ Threat of centralisation of power
⚠️ Possible rise in regionalism
⚠️ Political imbalance & growing North-South divide

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6. Proposed Solutions

✅ Extend freeze on delimitation till goal of population stabilisation achieved
✅ Use weighted formula: population + performance + equity
✅ Empower Rajya Sabha as federal chamber
✅ Ensure consultative and transparent process

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7. Way Forward

🌐 Build national consensus
🌐 Protect cooperative federalism
🌐 Ensure representation equity
🌐 Balance between democracy and demographic justice

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