Budget Session: Opposition Walks Out from Rajya Sabha Over Delimitation and NEP


Introduction

The second part of the Budget Session of Parliament witnessed intense political drama as Opposition MPs staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha over the issues of delimitation and the New Education Policy (NEP). The DMK, in particular, criticized the government for implementing the NEP in Tamil Nadu, while also demanding a fair delimitation process that would not disadvantage Southern states. The walkout was triggered after the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha refused to allow a discussion on these matters.

What is Delimitation?

Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of constituencies to ensure fair political representation based on changes in population. It is carried out by the Delimitation Commission and is crucial in maintaining the principle of ‘one person, one vote.’ The exercise is typically conducted after every Census to reflect demographic shifts.



Constitutional Provisions for Delimitation

  1. Article 82: It provides for the readjustment of constituencies after each Census, which is carried out by the Delimitation Commission.
  2. Article 170: It deals with the composition of Legislative Assemblies and mandates delimitation after each Census.
  3. 42nd Amendment (1976): It froze the delimitation process until 2001 to promote family planning measures.
  4. 84th Amendment (2002): Further postponed delimitation until 2026 to ensure that states that had successfully controlled population growth were not penalized.

Issues Arising from Delimitation

Concerns of Regional Parties

  1. Disadvantage to Southern States: The delimitation exercise based purely on population growth would result in a reduced number of parliamentary seats for states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, which have successfully implemented family planning measures. For instance, Tamil Nadu could see a reduction from 39 seats to 31, while Kerala may drop from 20 to 12.
  2. North-South Representation Disparity: States in Northern India, with higher population growth, would gain more seats, shifting political influence towards them and reducing the political voice of the South.
  3. Demand for Fair Delimitation: The DMK and other regional parties are demanding an alternative approach that ensures fair representation for states that have implemented effective population control policies.

Government's Stand

Union Health Minister JP Nadda criticized the Opposition’s stance, calling it a “vicious design” to mislead the public. He asserted that the government is open to discussions but within the framework of parliamentary rules. The BJP maintains that delimitation must follow constitutional provisions and that any alternative solution must be legally viable.

New Education Policy (NEP) and Tamil Nadu’s Opposition

The New Education Policy (NEP) has been a contentious issue, especially in Tamil Nadu, where the DMK opposes its implementation.

Key Features of NEP:

  1. Multilingual Approach: Introduction of a three-language formula, which Tamil Nadu opposes, fearing Hindi imposition.
  2. Flexibility in Curriculum: Focus on skill-based learning instead of rote memorization.
  3. Holistic Education: Emphasis on vocational training and interdisciplinary studies.
  4. Higher Education Reforms: Introduction of a four-year undergraduate program and restructuring of the higher education system.

DMK’s Objections

  1. Language Policy: The Tamil Nadu government rejects the three-language formula, advocating for its existing two-language system.
  2. Centralization of Education: DMK argues that NEP shifts education policy control from states to the Centre, undermining state autonomy.
  3. Uniform Education Structure: Tamil Nadu believes that the NEP’s national-level framework does not cater to state-specific educational needs and diversity.

Conclusion

The ongoing Budget Session has brought crucial issues like delimitation and the New Education Policy into the spotlight. The opposition, led by the DMK, has raised genuine concerns about fair representation in Parliament post-delimitation, urging the government to find a balanced approach. Similarly, debates over NEP continue to highlight the challenge of maintaining national education standards while respecting state autonomy. As discussions unfold, these issues will remain central to India's political landscape leading up to the 2026 delimitation exercise.

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