What is Readjustment vs. Delimitation?
Readjustment: The process of changing the number of Lok Sabha seats based on population growth, as required by the Constitution after each Census.
Delimitation: The act of redefining the boundaries of constituencies, done by the Delimitation Commission.
The current debate is about readjustment, not delimitation, but many confuse the two.
Article 82 of the Constitution mandates this readjustment to reflect population growth accurately.
What is Readjustment vs. Delimitation?
Readjustment: The process of changing the number of Lok Sabha seats based on population growth, as required by the Constitution after each Census.
Delimitation: The act of redefining the boundaries of constituencies, done by the Delimitation Commission.
The current debate is about readjustment, not delimitation, but many confuse the two.
Article 82 of the Constitution mandates this readjustment to reflect population growth accurately.
Why is This Issue Important?
India’s population has grown from 54.79 crore in 1971 to over 141 crore in 2025, but Lok Sabha seats have been frozen since 1971 until 2026.
The population growth has been uneven, with states like Uttar Pradesh (24.1 crore) and Bihar (13.1 crore) experiencing massive increases.
Southern states like Kerala have controlled their population growth, leading to potential shifts in political representation.
The Challenges of Seat Allocation
If the formula in Article 81 is applied, Uttar Pradesh could get 240 seats (up from 80), while Kerala might only have 36 seats (up from 20).
A population-to-seat ratio of 18 lakh per constituency would disproportionately benefit northern states.
Kerala’s low population growth (68% since 1971) contrasts sharply with northern states, creating an imbalance in political power.
The current formula doesn't account for states' efforts in population control, potentially rewarding those that failed in family planning.
The Ideal Solution: A Fair Formula
A 68% increase in seats for all states, based on Kerala’s population growth as a benchmark.
This would result in Uttar Pradesh having 134 seats, Kerala 34 seats, and Tamil Nadu around 66 seats.
This formula maintains regional equity without giving undue advantage to states with unchecked population growth.
The total number of Lok Sabha seats would increase to 912 under this formula.
Constitutional and Political Considerations
Article 81(2)(a) demands equal seat-to-population ratios, but this has become outdated due to demographic shifts.
The Union of States concept in the Constitution emphasizes fair representation for all states, not just proportionality to population.
Southern states, led by leaders like Tamil Nadu’s M.K. Stalin, have voiced concerns about losing political clout.
The issue isn’t just about numbers—it reflects regional power dynamics and national unity.
The Broader Implications
States that failed in population control shouldn’t gain more seats, as it rewards poor governance.
A skewed seat distribution could undermine the federal structure, creating tensions between states.
Any changes should respect constitutional principles, regional equity, and historical context.
COMMENTS