Jammu and Kashmir electoral map redrawn
Recently, the Delimitation Commission has redrawn the electoral map of Jammu and Kashmir.
The existing draft Delimitation Working Paper is the second set of proposals shared by the Delimitation Commission. The first set of proposal was rejected by the regional parties.
The following recommendations have been made in the current draft:
- For the first time, it has been proposed to reserve nine seats for the Scheduled Tribes and seven for the Scheduled Castes.
- It has been proposed to create an additional constituency in some districts. This proposal has been made to balance the representation of geographical areas with inadequate communication facility.
- It has been proposed to reschedule Lok Sabha constituencies.
Process of delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir
- Till the year 2019, the work of delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir was separate from the rest of the country.
- The delimitation of Lok Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir was governed by the Constitution of India. In contrast, the delimitation of state assembly seats was governed by the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir.
- The special status of Jammu and Kashmir was abolished in the year 2019. Subsequently, the Delimitation Commission was established for the delimitation of Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha seats in the newly formed Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This delimitation will be done in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Constitution.
About delimitation:
- According to Article 327 of the Constitution, delimitation is the act of redrawing the boundaries of an assembly or a Lok Sabha seat. This is done to show the change in population over time in that constituency.
- This work is done by a Delimitation Commission. The orders of this commission are as effective as law. This order cannot be challenged in any court (Article 329).
Source – The Hindu
