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Delimitation of Constituencies: South India gets a raw deal? || Acharya Prashant (2024)
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10 months ago
Delimitation
Lok Sabha Seats
North-South Divide
Population Control
Human Development Index (HDI)
Federalism
Social Reform
Finance Commission
Description

Acharya Prashant discusses the complex issue of delimitation in India, which has been postponed for 50 years but must now be addressed. He explains that delimitation, as per Articles 82 and 170 of the Constitution, is designed to uphold the democratic principle of 'one person, one vote' by ensuring the value of every citizen's vote is equal, regardless of their location. This is achieved by adjusting the boundaries of constituencies based on population. However, this has created a conflict between the principles of federalism and democracy. The problem arises from the significant demographic and developmental disparities between North and South India. When the process was frozen in 1971, it was assumed that North Indian states would catch up with the South in human development, but the opposite has occurred. Acharya Prashant highlights that if delimitation were to happen now, it would lead to a massive increase in Lok Sabha seats for Northern states due to their higher population, while the Southern states, which have successfully controlled their population, would see their political representation diminish. This is perceived as an injustice by the South, as they are being penalized for their progressive policies. He points out that the Southern states have not only controlled their population but have also made significant strides in education, per capita income, and other human development indicators. For instance, the literacy rate in the South is about 20% higher than in the North, and the average years of schooling are also significantly greater. Southern families invest a much larger portion of their income in education, and 70% of all education loans in the country are taken in the South. Furthermore, Acharya Prashant argues that the issue is not merely about population numbers but about the quality of human life and societal progress. He notes that the South has been more receptive to social and religious reform movements, which has contributed to its development, whereas the North has remained more resistant to change. He criticizes the mindset that equates a larger population with greater security and influence, citing historical examples where smaller, more advanced societies have prevailed over larger ones. He concludes that the focus should be on improving the quality of human beings through education and awareness, rather than on the quantity of people. The real strength of a nation lies in the wisdom and capability of its citizens, not their sheer numbers.