Delimitation Issue in Women Reservation: 

In recent times, the Lok Sabha has witnessed intense debates and discussions regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill, known as महिला आरक्षण बिल in Hindi. This bill, which aims to provide greater representation for women in the Indian Parliament, has gained significant attention and support, particularly from the Congress party and its leader, Sonia Gandhi. In this article, we will delve into the complexities surrounding the Delimitation issue and Census, both of which are at the center of this debate.

Understanding Delimitation

Delimitation, or परिसीमन, can be explained in simple terms as the redrawing of electoral boundaries based on population data. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the population is adequately represented in the legislature. The process of elections and the functioning of democracy hinge on the necessity of delimitation. By dividing electoral constituencies appropriately, delimitation seeks to provide equitable representation to all sections of society. Article 81 of the Indian Constitution specifically states that the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Lok Sabha should not exceed 550. Additionally, the Constitution mentions that there should be one MP for every 10 lakh population.

The Delimitation Commission was first established in 1952, following the first general elections in 1951, when there were 489 MPs in the Lok Sabha. However, in 1976, after using the 1971 Census as a basis, delimitation was carried out, and the number of MPs increased to 543. It’s important to note that for delimitation to take place, a population census is a prerequisite. The 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as of now, there is no concrete information regarding when it will be conducted. However, delimitation is scheduled for 2026. This means that even if the bill passes both houses of Parliament in time for the 2024 general elections, the benefit of 33% reservation for women may not be realized until later.

The Delimitation issue has become contentious for another reason. Southern Indian states are concerned that they will suffer losses if delimitation occurs. This is because the basis for delimitation is the population data obtained from the census. Southern states argue that due to better education, healthcare, and overall development, their population growth has slowed compared to Northern states. If delimitation were to take place, it would lead to a reduction in the number of seats for Southern states in the Lok Sabha, affecting their representation.

The Census Factor

Census, or जनगणना, plays a pivotal role in the delimitation process. It provides the necessary data on population distribution, which is used to redraw electoral boundaries. However, the postponement of the 2021 Census has added complexity to the situation. The delay in conducting the census has raised questions about the accuracy of the data that will be used for delimitation in 2026.

The Congress party, led by Sonia Gandhi, has been a staunch supporter of the Women’s Reservation Bill. She emphasized that women have been waiting for their rightful representation for the past 13 years and that there should be no further delays. The party is fully committed to this bill.

Conclusion

The Delimitation issue in the context of the Women’s Reservation Bill is a multifaceted challenge. It involves ensuring fair representation for women in the Lok Sabha, the complexities of delimitation, and the significance of accurate census data. While the bill holds the promise of fulfilling Rajiv Gandhi’s vision, the government’s stance on certain matters remains unclear. The debate and discussions in the Lok Sabha are crucial in determining the fate of this bill and its impact on women’s representation in Indian politics.