Census next year, then delimitation: Plan for 2029 polls in new seats

• :The government is set to conduct the much-delayed Census next year, and to complete the process by 2026, with suggestions being taken on whether caste enumeration would be part of the exercise, as per sources.

Highlights:

Introduction and Key Objectives:

• The government plans to conduct the long-delayed Census next year, aiming to complete it by 2026.
• There is ongoing debate about including caste enumeration in the Census. Suggestions from various political groups are under consideration, though a final decision is pending.

Link to Delimitation and Women’s Reservation

• Delimitation Process: Post-Census, the government intends to move forward with delimitation, the redrafting of electoral constituencies, set to start by 2027 and finish within a year. This would allow the next Lok Sabha elections in 2029 to be held post-delimitation.
• Women’s Reservation: The rollout of women’s reservation is planned to follow delimitation, ensuring equitable representation for women in Parliament.

Background on Delimitation:

• The delimitation process was delayed by 25 years through the 84th Amendment (2002) under then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with a planned update after the 2031 Census. The government’s current plans may shift this timeline, bringing the process forward.

Caste Enumeration and Political Dynamics

• Political Demand: There is growing pressure from opposition parties and allies, including Congress, JD(U), Lok Janshakti Party, and Apna Dal, to include caste data in the Census.
• RSS Backing: The RSS has supported caste enumeration, aligning with its belief in accurate demographic data.
• Challenges in Implementation: There are suggestions, such as adding the OBC category and sub-sects under SC/ST, but no concrete formula has been finalized.

Addressing Southern Concerns in Delimitation:

• South’s Concerns: Southern states fear a potential reduction in their representation due to the population-heavy northern states. Some leaders, like the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, have voiced concerns, suggesting population growth to counterbalance the effects of an ageing population.
• Government Response: Recognizing these concerns, the government aims to avoid any measures that could impact southern states negatively. A senior Union minister confirmed that the Prime Minister emphasized a unified approach, and adjustments to the population-area formula are being considered.

Legal and Constitutional Amendments:

• Necessary Amendments: To carry out delimitation, amendments to several constitutional articles are required, including:
  • Article 81 (Lok Sabha composition)
  • Article 170 (Legislative Assembly composition)
  • Articles 82 and 55 (related to Lok Sabha and presidential election population bases)
  • Articles 330 and 332 (seat reservations in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies).

Prelims Takeaways

• Census 2011