UPSC Prelims 2024 Q71: Indian Polity – Elections & Electoral Reforms
- (a) One
- (b) Two
- (c) Three
- (d) Four
Answer: (d) Four
Explanation
Delimitation Commissions in India - Complete List
| Commission | Year Set Up | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Delimitation Commission | 1952 | Delimited constituencies after first general elections; chaired by Justice S.K. Das |
| 2nd Delimitation Commission | 1963 | Readjusted boundaries after 1961 Census; chaired by Justice J.L. Kapur |
| 3rd Delimitation Commission | 1973 | Major delimitation exercise after 1971 Census; froze delimitation in 1976 by 42nd Amendment |
| 4th Delimitation Commission | 2002 | Set up under Delimitation Act 2002; used 2001 Census data; completed in 2008 |
Total: FOUR Delimitation Commissions till December 2023
Note: The freeze on delimitation (42nd Amendment 1976) was meant to last until 2001 Census, later extended. The 4th Commission used 2001 Census data. The next delimitation will use 2021 Census data (pending).
Answer: (d) Four.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. There has been more than one Delimitation Commission. The first was set up in 1952 right after independence.
- (b) Incorrect. There have been more than two Delimitation Commissions. The second was set up in 1963.
- (c) Incorrect. There have been more than three Delimitation Commissions. The third was in 1973 and the fourth was in 2002.
- (d) CORRECT. Four Delimitation Commissions have been constituted: 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002. As of December 2023, four commissions have been set up.
Key point
Four Delimitation Commissions: 1952, 1963, 1973, 2002. The 42nd Amendment (1976) froze delimitation until 2001 Census. The 4th Commission (2002) used 2001 Census data. Next delimitation pending after 2021 Census.
Remember
Four Delimitation Commissions have been constituted in India: 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002. As of December 2023, the fourth commission is the most recent.
Common mistakes
- Not knowing there were exactly four - candidates often undercount (thinking only 3) by forgetting the 2002 commission.
- Confusing the 42nd Amendment freeze with the abolition of Delimitation - the freeze temporarily suspended delimitation but did not end the institution.
- Not knowing the 4th Commission completed its work in 2008 (set up 2002, completed 2008), which is the most recent delimitation exercise for Lok Sabha.
Exam tip
Delimitation Commissions: 52-63-73-02 (years) = Four total. Gap between 3rd and 4th = 29 years due to the 42nd Amendment freeze (1976). Remember: 1, 2, 3 commissions = 1950s-70s. 4th = 2002 using 2001 Census.
Sources
- Election Commission of India - Delimitation Commissions
- NCERT Class 11 Political Science - Electoral System in India