The inaugural meeting of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) convened to challenge the Centre’s proposed delimitation process has reached a consensus advocating for a moratorium on Parliamentary constituencies based on the 1971 Census population figures, proposing an extension of this freeze for an additional 25 years.
During the meeting held in Chennai on Saturday, the JAC members unanimously agreed that any delimitation efforts initiated by the Union Government should focus on enhancing democratic representation through transparent processes, allowing political parties from all states, along with state governments and other relevant stakeholders, to engage in discussions and provide input.
The committee expressed significant concerns over the opacity surrounding the upcoming delimitation exercise, particularly in the absence of consultations with various stakeholders. The meeting included political representatives from seven states, including three Chief Ministers.
The resolution emphasized that the legislative purpose behind the 42nd, 84th, and 87th Constitutional Amendments aimed to support states that have effectively implemented population control measures. Since the goal of stabilizing the national population remains unrealized, the committee asserts that the existing freeze on Parliamentary constituencies should be prolonged by another 25 years.
Additionally, the JAC argued that states that have successfully enacted population control programs and consequently witnessed a decrease in their population share should not face punitive measures. They called on the Union Government to initiate the necessary constitutional amendments to reflect these viewpoints.
A Core Committee, comprising Members of Parliament from the states represented in the meeting, was established to coordinate legislative strategies to oppose any attempts by the Union Government to conduct a delimitation exercise that contradicts the principles outlined in the resolution.
The MPs’ committee also agreed to present a Joint Representation to the Prime Minister during the current Parliament session. Furthermore, the JAC will work towards passing relevant resolutions in their respective State Assemblies regarding this issue.
To enhance public understanding, the JAC committed to disseminating information about the history and implications of past delimitation exercises and the potential repercussions of the proposed changes among citizens in their states, employing a coordinated public opinion mobilization strategy.
