Southern States Debate Population Policies Amid Fears of Parliamentary Discrimination

Southern Indian states express concerns over population-based delimitation potentially reducing their representation in Parliament. With a focus on successful family planning, these states fear being penalized for lower birth rates compared to northern states. Experts urge long-term policy changes to balance population control with financial and political considerations.

In a recent development, southern Indian states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are voicing their concerns about the population-based delimitation process potentially affecting their representation in Parliament. This issue has arisen as these states have been successful in implementing family planning programs, subsequently lowering their birth rates.

Experts, including former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi, have highlighted that the Delimitation Act of 1971 could culminate in a disadvantage for these regions. Concerns are mounting that these states may be unfairly penalized by having their parliamentary seats reduced while their northern counterparts, with higher birth rates, gain political clout.

The debate centers around finding a middle ground that doesn't punish successful population control policies. Suggestions include introducing long-term measures to sustain financial allocations and adapting economic policies to accommodate an aging population while continuing to empower the youth.

(With inputs from agencies.)