Member of Parliament from Nagaland, S Supongmeren Jamir has expressed strong concern regarding the manner in which the proposed Delimitation process is being linked with the implementation of the Women’s Reservation provisions under the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023.
While the Lok Sabha MP said he fully supported the intent and objective of ensuring adequate reservation for women in legislative bodies, he said such a progressive reform should not be delayed or complicated by procedural conditions like delimitation.
“The Women’s Reservation Act must be implemented in both letter and spirit without unnecessary postponement,” he said.
“As per Articles 82 and 170(3) of the Constitution, delimitation should only take place after the publication of the first Census figures post-2026. Any attempt to prematurely link these processes raises serious constitutional and procedural concerns,” he MP stated.
Giving special reference to the Northeastern Region, including Nagaland, Jamir said political arrangements and agreements, such as the Framework Agreement and Agreed Positions with the Government of India must be carefully examined and respected before any changes to parliamentary representation are undertaken.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Emphasizing that an Act of Parliament must not result in injustice to any region or community, Jamir said in its current form, the proposed approach risks undermining the declared policy commitments of the Government of India concerning the political settlement in the Northeast. He also raised questions about the fairness of population-to-representation ratios.
“This situation reflects a lack of urgency and seriousness in implementing women’s reservation, despite the Act already being in place. Reforms of such national importance must not be allowed to linger in uncertainty,” he said.
In view of these concerns, Jamir strongly urged that the present approach be reconsidered, and that the Bill, in its current form, be withdrawn or revised after thorough consultation and examination of all relevant aspects.
