Delimitation commission completes data collection work, commission to visit JK after drawing “broad framework” based on the 2011 Census

Srinagar, Sep 07: The Delimitation Commission, set up to redraw the constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir Union territory and other North-eastern states of India has completed the date collection work and now is busy with preparing a ‘comprehensive framework” of the delimitation exercise.
Official sources told news agency KINS that the Commission has held four formal meetings as yet.
“All Associate Members have already been nominated for each State/ Union Territory concerned. Data collection work has also been completed. Now the commission is busy with preparing a broad framework on carving out constituencies based on the 2011 Census,” the official said, wishing not to be named.
He said that after completing the broad framework the Delimitation Commission will visit the states including the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir to meet locals. “Once the framework is drawn, it would also interact with associate members to seek their views and inputs,” said an official aware of the developments.
The delimitation panel will redraw the Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies of the four north-eastern states and work on increasing the assembly seats of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as per the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act.
On March 7, Government of India announced a delimitation commission for J&K, Assam, Aurunachal Pradesh and Manipur. From BJP MoS in Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jitendera Singh and MP Jugal Kishore were announced as members while as from NC Dr Farooq Abdullah, Muhammad Akbar Lone and Justice (Rtd) Hasnain Masoodi were also nominated as members.
However the National Conference has already decided to boycott the process.
Top BJP leaders that include party’s J&K Affairs Incharge and national vice president Avinash Rai Khanna and BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul has told KINS that they would like the delimitation commission to keep the population, topography, geography and area in mind while making recommendations. “Our motive is to end regional balance,” they had said.
A senior BJP leader said that for holding polls, delimitation of assembly seats was a must. “We are sure that a political process will be started soon after the delimitation exercise will be completed” he said, wishing not to be named.
It is to mention here that last month the new office premise for Delimitation Commission was inaugurated in News Delhi.
The office premises for Delimitation Commission was opened by Justice Ranjana Desai, Chairperson, Delimitation Commission in the presence of Sunil Arora, Chief Election Commissioner, Ashok Lavasa, Election Commissioner, and Sushil Chandra, Election Commissioner and Member, Delimitation Commission.