Supongmeren flags linkage of women’s quota with delimitation, seeks review

DIMAPUR — Expressing concern over the linking of women’s reservation provisions with the delimitation process, Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland S Supongmeren Jamir on Friday urged that the approach be reconsidered, stating that the reform should not be delayed by procedural conditions.

In a press statement issued on Friday, Jamir said that while he supports the objective of ensuring adequate reservation for women in legislative bodies, “it is imperative that such a progressive reform is not delayed or complicated by procedural conditions like delimitation.”

He stated that the provisions under the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023 should be implemented “in both letter and spirit without unnecessary postponement.”

Referring to Articles 82 and 170(3) of the Constitution, Jamir pointed out that delimitation is to take place only after the publication of the first Census figures post-2026, and cautioned that any attempt to link the processes prematurely raises constitutional and procedural concerns.

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He also highlighted the need to consider implications for the Northeast, including Nagaland, stating that political arrangements such as the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position with the government of India must be examined and respected before any changes to parliamentary representation are undertaken.

Jamir further asserted that an Act of Parliament must not result in injustice to any region or community, warning that the current approach risks undermining declared policy commitments of the government of India concerning political settlement in the region, while also raising concerns over population-to-representation ratios.

Stating that the situation reflects a lack of urgency in implementing women’s reservation despite the Act being in place, he said that reforms of national importance should not be allowed to linger in uncertainty.

In view of these concerns, Jamir urged that the present approach be reconsidered and that the Bill, in its current form, be withdrawn or revised after thorough consultation and examination of all relevant aspects.