Changes proposed by J&K Delimitation Panel

February 7, 2022

Delimitation Commission proposed significant changes to the electoral map of Jammu and Kashmir, by carving out new constituencies.

Key Points

Delimitation Commission also redraw several of existing constituencies.
The draft delimitation working paper has been rejected by National Conference (NC). It was second set of proposals, proposed by the Commission and was shared with five associate members viz., five J&K Lok Sabha MPs.
NC will send a detailed response to the Commission soon.
Commission has asked the views of associate members and will later put the report in public domain.

Proposals by the Commission

The Delimitation Commission has proposed changes in Baramulla, Srinagar, Kupwara, Anantnag and Kulgam districts of Kashmir division.
Kupwara is the only district in Kashmir, where a constituency is being added.
Commission also proposed changes to other existing constituencies.
New seat of Trehgam has been created for including Keran and parts of Kralpora tehsil.
In Baramulla, Kunzer and Tangmarg constituencies have been carved out by dividing Gulmarg and merging Sangrama constituency.
Sangrama and Gulmarg constituencies now cease to exist. These constituencies went to the PDP in 2014 Assembly elections.
In south Kashmir, Shangus tehsil has been divided between Anantnag East and Larnoo constituencies.
Kokernag constituency has also been divided between Dooru and Larnoo.
Kulgam will now have three seats, instead of four seats earlier. Areas within the current Hom Shali Bugh constituency will be included under Devsar.
Srinagar will have a separate constituency in Chhanpora area.

Background

In December 2021, the Commission proposed seven additional Assembly seats viz., six in Jammu division and one in Kashmir Valley.

What is Delimitation?

Delimitation is an act of fixing or redrawing the boundaries or limits of territorial constituencies (Assembly or Lok Sabha seat), as per the Election Commission. The delimitation exercise is done by an independent high-powered panel called Delimitation Commission. Orders of commission have the force of law and it cannot be questioned by any court.

Aim of delimitation exercise

Delimitation exercise is done with the aim of having equal representation to equal segments of population for ensuring a fair division of geographical areas so that a level playing can be created for all political parties or candidates contesting elections, in terms of number of voters.

What is the constitutional Basis for Delimitation exercise?

Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after every Census, under Article 82 of the constitution. While, States divide territorial constituencies in accordance with Delimitation Act by exercising powers under Article 170. Once the Act is in force, Union government constitute a Delimitation Commission. However, first delimitation exercise was done by the President in 1950-51, with the help of Election Commission. Delimitation Commission Act was enacted in 1952.

What is Delimitation Commission?

The Delimitation Commission is created by the President of India. It works in association with the Election Commission of India. The commission comprises of Retired Supreme Court judge, Chief Election Commissioner and Respective State Election Commissioners. Till date, Delimitation Commissions have been set up four times in 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002, in accordance with the Delimitation Acts of 1952, 1962, 1972 and 2002. No delimitation exercise was carried after 1981 and 1991 Censuses.

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