Electoral malapportionment in India: Options for correction
By: Raja, S., Durai, S. and Srinivasan, R
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Material type: 
BookPublisher: Economic and Political Weekly Description: 59(15), Apr 13, 2024: p.49-54.Subject(s): Lok Sabha, Indian Parliament, Seat Freeze, Family Planning, Population Control, Rapid Growth, Apportionment, Spatially Unequal Growth, Fair Representation, Population Policy, Alternative Approaches, Hybrid Model, Development Indicators, Policy Incentives, Federal Structure, Political Power Dynamics, Legislative Governance, Electoral Fairness, Demographic Equity
In:
Economic and Political WeeklySummary: Since 1976, the number of Lok Sabha seats in the Indian Parliament has remained unchanged, a decision influenced by the government's focus on Family Planning and Population Control as national priorities. However, India's population has surged significantly in the ensuing decades, leading to concerns about the Fair Representation of citizens across states. With the scheduled Reapportionment in 2026, discussions have emerged regarding the need to reallocate seats to reflect contemporary demographic realities.
The challenge lies in Spatially Unequal Growth, where some states have controlled their population effectively while others have experienced substantial increases. The current seat distribution, frozen for nearly five decades, does not account for these shifts, sparking debates on Equitable Representation. If seats are simply reassigned based on population, states that implemented strict Population Policies might be penalized, while high-growth states might gain disproportionate influence in parliamentary decisions.
This paper explores various Alternative Approaches to Seat Allocation, considering fairness in representation and Policy Incentives. One option discussed is using a Hybrid Model, combining Population Metrics with Development Indicators to ensure that states maintaining Population Control Strategies are not disadvantaged. Another perspective considers a formula where historical efforts to curb growth factor into seat apportionments.
Given the constitutional significance of Lok Sabha Seat Distribution, any modifications will have far-reaching implications for Federal Structure, Political Power Dynamics, and Legislative Governance. As the 2026 review approaches, policymakers must balance Demographic Equity with Electoral Fairness, ensuring that India's parliamentary framework remains inclusive while recognizing regional efforts toward sustainable population control. - Reproduced
https://www.epw.in/journal/2024/15/special-articles/electoral-malapportionment-india.html
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Articles
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Indian Institute of Public Administration | 59(15), Apr 13, 2024: p.49-54 | Available | AR131821 |
Since 1976, the number of Lok Sabha seats in the Indian Parliament has remained unchanged, a decision influenced by the government's focus on Family Planning and Population Control as national priorities. However, India's population has surged significantly in the ensuing decades, leading to concerns about the Fair Representation of citizens across states. With the scheduled Reapportionment in 2026, discussions have emerged regarding the need to reallocate seats to reflect contemporary demographic realities.
The challenge lies in Spatially Unequal Growth, where some states have controlled their population effectively while others have experienced substantial increases. The current seat distribution, frozen for nearly five decades, does not account for these shifts, sparking debates on Equitable Representation. If seats are simply reassigned based on population, states that implemented strict Population Policies might be penalized, while high-growth states might gain disproportionate influence in parliamentary decisions.
This paper explores various Alternative Approaches to Seat Allocation, considering fairness in representation and Policy Incentives. One option discussed is using a Hybrid Model, combining Population Metrics with Development Indicators to ensure that states maintaining Population Control Strategies are not disadvantaged. Another perspective considers a formula where historical efforts to curb growth factor into seat apportionments.
Given the constitutional significance of Lok Sabha Seat Distribution, any modifications will have far-reaching implications for Federal Structure, Political Power Dynamics, and Legislative Governance. As the 2026 review approaches, policymakers must balance Demographic Equity with Electoral Fairness, ensuring that India's parliamentary framework remains inclusive while recognizing regional efforts toward sustainable population control. - Reproduced
https://www.epw.in/journal/2024/15/special-articles/electoral-malapportionment-india.html
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