Population-based political representation poses significant challenges to India’s federal structure. Critically analyze the implications of the delimitation exercise and suggest viable measures to address the emerging issues of federal equity.
Introduction
Population-based political representation poses significant challenges to India’s federal structure, especially as the country undergoes demographic transitions. The delimitation exercise, which seeks to redefine electoral constituencies based on population shifts, could exacerbate regional disparities. States with higher population growth, particularly in the north, may gain disproportionate influence, while states with lower growth, especially in the south, may face reduced representation, undermining federalism and resource equity.
Implications of Delimitation Exercise and Population-based Political Representation and Measures to address:
Demographic Imbalances and Regional Disparities– Population-based delimitation has intensified regional demographic imbalances. States like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, with lower population growth, may see reduced parliamentary representation. According to the Census of India (2011), northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have higher growth rates, widening regional disparities and threatening political equity.
Impact on Political Representation and Federal Structure– Population-based delimitation could lead to disproportionate allocation of seats favoring more populous regions, particularly in the north. The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002) highlighted the need for a recalibration of constituencies due to population disparities, weakening federal equity.
State Agitations and Calls for Special Status– Fears of reduced political representation have led states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to demand special status and autonomy. The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act (2014) highlighted concerns over reduced political influence due to bifurcation, revealing growing unease over federal equity.
Challenges to Federalism and Equity– Population-based delimitation threatens India’s federal structure by undermining the principle of one person, one vote, one value. Constituencies with smaller populations may have disproportionate representation, creating inequities between regions that have contributed to population control.
Migration and Regional Economic Disparities– In regions like southern India, fertility declines have increased migration toward more populous areas, exacerbating economic disparities. The NITI Aayog Report (2018) stresses the need for balanced development policies to address these regional imbalances.
International Comparisons: Lessons from China and Other Countries
China’s one-child policy offers a cautionary tale of long-term demographic imbalances, including aging populations and skewed sex ratios. India must avoid replicating such measures, as quick-fix solutions like pro-natal policies have failed in countries like South Korea and Japan.
Revising Delimitation Criteria: Development-Based Indicators- Shifting from population-based criteria to development indicators like HDI and literacy rates can ensure more equitable representation. States like Kerala, with high HDI and low fertility rates, have made significant contributions to development, and their political representation should not be solely contingent on population.
Empowering Women and Enhancing Fertility Policies– Policies focusing on women’s education, healthcare, and economic opportunities have effectively fostered fertility transitions without increasing populations. Kerala’s model of development, emphasizing education and healthcare, has contributed to low fertility rates and high human development outcomes.
Migration as a Short-term Solution– Migration from high-density regions to lower-density regions could temporarily mitigate regional imbalances. However, policies ensuring equitable resource allocation and socio-economic development are necessary, as highlighted by the Economic Survey (2024).
Impact on Political Representation of Emerging States– States formed through bifurcations, like Telangana and Uttarakhand, may face challenges of unequal representation due to population-based delimitation. The Telangana Reorganization Act (2014) raised concerns regarding regional disparities in political equity.
Empowering Smaller Regions through Incentivization– Promoting regional incentives for development in less populated states, such as the North-East, has helped address representation disparities. Special development schemes in regions like Sikkim have contributed to political equity.
Legal Framework and Judicial Intervention– Judicial interventions have emphasized the need to uphold political equity. The Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in Indira Sawhney v. Union of India (1992) reinforced the importance of equal representation, ensuring constitutionally sound delimitation practices.
Public Awareness and Political Engagement– Educating the public about the implications of population-based delimitation fosters political engagement. Movements in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh advocate for re-evaluating delimitation practices to ensure federal equity.
Capacity Building and Governance Reforms– Strengthening institutional capacities and governance reforms are essential to address regional disparities in political representation. The NITI Aayog’s Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index (2024) highlights the need for such efforts to ensure balanced development.
Conclusion
Population-based political representation poses significant challenges to India’s federal structure, particularly amid demographic shifts. Regions with declining fertility risk reduced political power and representation, undermining federal equity. Solutions such as using development indicators, revising delimitation criteria, and adopting fertility policies that empower women are crucial. Promoting balanced regional development and considering migration as a temporary measure can help mitigate demographic imbalances and uphold federal equity.