Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. The proposal to maintain State-wise proportional share in Lok Sabha while expanding total seats marks a shift in India’s delimitation approach. Critically examine its implications for federal balance and democratic representation. (15 M)
- Q. Increasing the size of the Lok Sabha can improve representation but may alter the balance within India’s constitutional framework. Critically examine its implications. (15 M)
Q. The proposal to maintain State-wise proportional share in Lok Sabha while expanding total seats marks a shift in India’s delimitation approach. Critically examine its implications for federal balance and democratic representation. (15 M)
(GS Paper II – Polity, Representation, Federalism)
Introduction:
Delimitation is a crucial constitutional process governed by Article 81 and Article 82, ensuring representation based on population. The recent proposal to expand Lok Sabha seats while maintaining the existing State-wise proportional share represents a significant shift aimed at balancing demographic realities with federal equity.
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1. Core Idea of the Proposal
The proposal seeks to increase the total strength of the Lok Sabha (by ~50%) while preserving each State’s existing percentage share. This “share vs absolute seats” model allows an increase in representation without disturbing inter-State political balance.
2. Constitutional and Institutional Context
• Article 81: Provides for proportional representation of States in Lok Sabha.
• Article 82: Mandates delimitation after every Census.
• 42nd Amendment (1976): Froze seat allocation based on 1971 Census.
• 84th & 87th Amendments: Extended freeze till post-2026 while allowing limited adjustments.
• Delimitation Commission: Independent statutory body (1952, 1963, 1973, 2002) whose orders have the force of law.
3. Significance of the New Approach
• Federal Balance: Prevents southern States from losing representation despite better population control.
• Political Stability: Avoids regional tensions arising from redistribution of seats.
• Enhanced Representation: More MPs improve population-representative ratio.
• Facilitates Women’s Reservation: Expansion allows smoother implementation of 33% reservation without reducing general seats.
• Administrative Clarity: Use of a legislative “Schedule” ensures transparency in seat allocation.
4. Implications for Democratic Representation
• Dilution of ‘One Person, One Vote’ Principle: Equal population-based representation is partially compromised.
• Hybrid Representation Model: Combines demographic proportionality with federal fairness.
• Continuity vs Change: Maintains status quo in power distribution while accommodating population growth.
5. Critical Concerns
• Deviation from Pure Population Principle: Larger States may argue under-representation.
• Temporary Solution: Does not fully resolve long-term demographic imbalances.
• Political Negotiations Required: Consensus-building among States is complex.
• Dependence on Outdated Census (2011): Raises concerns about accuracy.
6. Way Forward
• Consultative Federal Process: Engage States to build consensus and legitimacy.
• Periodic Review Mechanism: Establish clear timelines for future delimitation cycles.
• Balanced Formula: Combine population with development indicators to ensure fairness.
• Data Modernisation: Conduct updated Census for accurate representation.
Conclusion:
The proposed delimitation reform reflects a pragmatic attempt to reconcile democratic equality with federal stability. While it may dilute strict population-based representation, it strengthens cooperative federalism and political balance. Its success will depend on transparency, consensus, and adherence to constitutional values.
Q. Increasing the size of the Lok Sabha can improve representation but may alter the balance within India’s constitutional framework. Critically examine its implications. (15 M)
(GS Paper II – Polity, Parliament, Federalism)
Introduction:
The proposal under the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 to expand the Lok Sabha from 543 to around 850 members aims to address the widening gap between population and representation. However, such expansion has far-reaching implications for federal balance, parliamentary functioning, and executive accountability.
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1. Rationale for Increasing Lok Sabha Size
The current seat allocation is largely based on the 1971 Census, despite massive demographic changes. Expansion seeks to restore the principle of “one person, one vote, one value” and improve democratic representation.
2. Impact on Federal Balance
• States with higher population growth (UP, Bihar) will gain more seats, increasing their political influence.
• Southern States may see a relative decline in share, raising concerns of penalising demographic success.
• Risk of regional imbalance and strain on cooperative federalism.
3. Impact on Rajya Sabha (Bicameral Balance)
• Rajya Sabha strength remains unchanged.
• In joint sittings (Article 108), Lok Sabha dominance will increase further.
• Weakening of Rajya Sabha’s role as a revising and federal chamber.
4. Impact on Parliamentary Functioning
• Larger House may reduce individual MPs’ speaking time and quality of debates.
• Increased dependence on Parliamentary Committees, which are already underutilised.
• Logistical challenges: infrastructure, coordination, and legislative efficiency.
5. Impact on Executive (Council of Ministers)
• Under Article 75(1A), Council of Ministers can be up to 15% of Lok Sabha strength.
• Expansion may increase ministers to ~120+, risking executive bloat and patronage politics.
6. Positive Outcomes
• Better Representation: Reduced MP-to-population ratio improves accessibility.
• Inclusivity: Facilitates implementation of 33% women’s reservation.
• Democratic Deepening: Reflects contemporary demographic realities.
7. Critical Concerns
• Quantity vs Quality: More MPs may not ensure better governance.
• Legislative Inefficiency: Risk of overcrowded debates and rushed law-making.
• Political Centralisation: Larger states may dominate national politics.
8. Way Forward
• Adopt a balanced delimitation model (population + federal equity).
• Strengthen committee system for effective scrutiny.
• Rationalise size and functioning of the executive.
• Ensure institutional reforms alongside numerical expansion.
Conclusion:
Expanding the Lok Sabha is a necessary step to align representation with demographic realities, but it must be accompanied by institutional safeguards. A balanced and consultative approach is essential to ensure that democratic expansion does not undermine federal stability and parliamentary effectiveness.
