Regarding status of proposed delimitation exercise in 2026 and possible operationalization of reservation of seats for women, SC and ST - laid

Regarding status of proposed delimitation exercise in 2026 and possible operationalization of reservation of seats for women, SC and ST- laid ADV. GOWAAL KAGADA PADAVI (NANDURBAR): I seek to raise the matter regarding the proposed delimitation exercise and its impact on tribal areas, Maharashtra, and Nandurbar Parliamentary Constituency. This notice examines its linkage with the forthcoming Census and implementation of the Women's Reservation Act. The Government is requested to clarify the process through which the Delimitation Act and exercise will be introduced, in view of the constitutional freeze on delimitation until the first Census conducted after 2026. It may specify whether the next delimitation will be based on the upcoming Census and the tentative timeline for completing the process. Further, details are sought regarding the constitutional and administrative procedure for constituting the Delimitation Commission, including its composition, powers and safeguards to ensure transparency. The Government should explain how delimitation will affect the number of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies. Specific information is required on the impact of delimitation on Scheduled Areas and tribal-dominated regions, Nandurbar, and whether safeguards will prevent under-representation of tribal communities. The Government should clarify if any reduction or alteration of reserved Scheduled Tribe constituencies is anticipated. The House may be informed about changes to constituency boundaries and reservation status for SC and ST seats. Details are sought on operationalising the Women's Reservation Act and the rotation of women-reserved seats without disturbing existing SC and ST reservations. Finally, the Government may state whether consultations have been held with tribal representatives.