Proposal to Expand Lok Sabha Seats
The Union government has suggested significantly increasing the number of Lok Sabha members from the current 543 to 850. This expansion is to be implemented starting with the 2029 general elections and aims to reflect India’s changing demographics more accurately.
Details of the Expansion
Under the proposal, 815 seats will be allocated to different states, while 35 seats will be assigned to Union Territories, bringing the total to 850 members. The increase is designed to better represent India’s growing population and shifting demographic patterns.
Purpose Behind the Expansion
This move primarily aims to facilitate the implementation of the women’s reservation law, which mandates reserving 33% of seats for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. By increasing total seats, the government hopes to introduce the quota without reducing the number of seats for existing political parties significantly.
Delimitation Based on Census Data
A key part of this plan is a new delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census, which will redefine constituency boundaries and redistribute seats among states. Some opposition parties have voiced concerns, arguing that the process should rely on the more recent 2021 Census data, which has not yet been made public.
Important Facts for Exams
- Article 81 of the Constitution details the composition of the Lok Sabha.
- Delimitation involves changing constituency boundaries according to population updates.
- The last delimitation was carried out in 2002 using the 2001 Census.
- Women’s reservation proposes reserving 33% seats for women.
Opposition Views and Legal Challenges
Opposition parties like AAP, DMK, and RJD have raised questions about the timing and basis of the delimitation process. There are also demands for a reservation quota within the existing quota for backward class women. Since constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in Parliament and approval from state legislatures, achieving broad consensus will be essential for the proposal’s success.
