Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues and significance of delimitation;
Why in the News?
The delay in the 2021 Census and the upcoming Delimitation (2026), could widen representation gaps at all three layers of governance.
- Most states in India (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu) are formed based on language, and many have roots in ethnic or linguistic regions which is also becoming one of the major causes of layered discrimination.
What is Layered Discrimination?Layered discrimination refers to the compounded and interconnected forms of discrimination that individuals or groups face due to multiple, overlapping identities, such as gender, race, class, or ethnicity. |
What are the present causes behind the layered discrimination in India?
- Central Governance: Since 1947, the population share of languages like Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu has dropped, while the proportion of Hindi speakers has risen significantly from 36% to nearly 43%.
- This means that the regions with Linguistic and cultural dominance will gain more influence in the Parliament, while those that have controlled their population will have less say and will mainly contribute revenue.
- This will also deepen the structural disparities between the different states affecting our federal structure.
- State Governance: With longstanding differences wrt ‘Total Fertility Rates’ among different states (like Bihar vs. Kerala), lead to issues regarding resource allocation and policy formation remain unsettled.
- For example, the decision of the 16th Finance Commission to include the 2011 Census instead of the 1971 Census to devolve funds to States will be even more discriminatory to developed States.
- It reflects the continuation of the existing bias against the non-Hindi States.
What are the implications of layered discrimination on policy and legal frameworks?
- Policy Impact: When policies, such as Delimitation, unintentionally favor certain regions or communities over others, it can reinforce inequalities.
- In this case, non-Hindi-speaking states that have successfully controlled their populations and contribute a significant share of national revenue may face decreased representation in the Lok Sabha, reducing their influence on Union policy.
- Legal Framework Impact: Layered discrimination underscores the need for legal frameworks that recognize regional disparities and protect equitable representation.
- Legal principles such as “No taxation without representation” suggest the necessity for reforms that balance contribution with influence, ensuring that states contributing more to the GDP and population control policies do not lose their political voice.
Significant Potential of Delimitation in this Scenario:
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Way forward:
- Need to work on Intersectionality: The Intersectionality Framework in policy implementation reveals that individuals and groups experience discrimination based on multiple, overlapping identities such as gender, race, class, language, and region rather than a single factor.
- It shows how various systems of power (like patriarchy, racism, and economic inequality) intersect and create unique challenges.
- This approach helps us to understand how certain groups face compounded disadvantages due to intersecting social structures.
- Balancing Delimitation and Decentralization: Implement delimitation reforms with careful consideration of regional contributions, ensuring equitable representation for both populous and less-populous states.
PYQ:Mains: Q Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation-one election” principle. (2024) Q What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (2024) |
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