Decadal Growth Average: a balanced formula for delimitation

The Joint Action Committee, formed by the southern States, has demanded that delimitation be deferred by another 25 years or delinked from population. Though the Centre remains tight-lipped about the delimitation formula and timeline, the southern States are anticipating the worst-case scenario.

If the Centre opts for State-wise population growth as the sole or major criterion, it will compromise the interests of these States, which have implemented the family planning programme in all sincerity. Deferring is also not ideal, as there is no guarantee that we will not face the same issue after 25 years. This analysis tries to understand the apprehensions of the southern States vis-à-vis the formula of the Delimitation Commission.