Will Southern States Be Penalized for Effective Population Control?
THE DEBATE surrounding the delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies has ignited a heated discussion on whether states that have effectively controlled population growth should be rewarded or penalized.
MK Stalin
At the centre of this controversy is Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s assertion that southern states, which have excelled in various parameters, including population control, will be “punished” if the proposed delimitation is implemented under the current rules.
The delimitation process, which involves redrawing Lok Sabha constituencies based on population, is scheduled for next year. This exercise is typically conducted after each census, as mandated by Article 82 of the Constitution.
However, the current constituencies were drawn based on the 1971 census, as the government had decided to freeze the number of seats for 25 years to encourage population control measures. Subsequent amendments have extended this freeze until 2026.
Image Courtesy: South First
According to a recent report by the Carnegie Endowment, the five southern states are projected to lose 26 seats, while other states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Punjab may also see a proportional reduction.
The final decision on the number of constituencies will rest with a Delimitation Commission established by the government.
India’s population has grown significantly since the 1951 census, which recorded 359 million people. The number of Lok Sabha constituencies increased from 500 to 543 in 1976. Estimates suggest that, given the current population, the number of seats could rise to over 700.
Stalin’s concerns stem from the fact that southern states, having successfully curbed population growth, now face reduced representation in the Lok Sabha. This, in turn, could diminish their political influence.
Stalin and other leaders from the region have urged an extension of the freeze on Lok Sabha seats by another 30 years.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that southern states will not be disadvantaged on a “pro-rata” basis, but his statement remains ambiguous.
Given the sensitivities involved, the central government should handle the matter with caution and work toward building a consensus. It is crucial to consider the long-term implications of delimitation on the country’s political landscape.
India’s population growth rate has been declining, with the total fertility rate (TFR) dropping to 2.0—below the replacement level of 2.1. However, the population continues to grow and is expected to take another 30 years to begin declining.
The issue of delimitation is complex and demands a balanced approach that accounts for population growth, representation, and political consequences. Rather than penalizing states that have successfully controlled population growth, the central government should strive to create a more equitable and representative system that rewards responsible demographic policies. 
Main image courtesy: South First
_______
Also Read:
Punjab’s Changing Demographics
Vipin Pubby
The author, a freelance journalist, is a former Resident Editor of Indian Express, Chandigarh, and reported on the political developments in Jammu and Kashmir, North-Eastern India, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab in his long, illustrious career.
Disclaimer : PunjabTodayNews.com and other platforms of the Punjab Today group strive to include views and opinions from across the entire spectrum, but by no means do we agree with everything we publish. Our efforts and editorial choices consistently underscore our authors’ right to the freedom of speech. However, it should be clear to all readers that individual authors are responsible for the information, ideas or opinions in their articles, and very often, these do not reflect the views of PunjabTodayNews.com or other platforms of the group. Punjab Today does not assume any responsibility or liability for the views of authors whose work appears here.
Punjab Today believes in serious, engaging, narrative journalism at a time when mainstream media houses seem to have given up on long-form writing and news television has blurred or altogether erased the lines between news and slapstick entertainment. We at Punjab Today believe that readers such as yourself appreciate cerebral journalism, and would like you to hold us against the best international industry standards. Brickbats are welcome even more than bouquets, though an occasional pat on the back is always encouraging. Good journalism can be a lifeline in these uncertain times worldwide. You can support us in myriad ways. To begin with, by spreading word about us and forwarding this reportage. Stay engaged.
— Team PT