A new political mandate in Nepal has brought a leadership focused on governance and development, creating space for India to reset ties and move beyond legacy irritants.
1) Political Shift in Nepal
Rejection of old parties → rise of new, younger leadership
Strong mandate → focus on jobs, governance, stability
Warning signal → public frustration can re-emerge if delivery fails
2) Core Issues in India–Nepal Relations
2.1 Trust Deficit
• Perception of Indian interference in internal politics • Anti-India narratives used in Nepal’s domestic politics
2.2 Boundary Dispute
• Kalapani–Lipulekh–Limpiyadhura dispute • Triggered by new maps on both sides → affects diplomatic trust
2.3 Treaty Issue
• 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship
Why revision demand?
Asymmetry perception → Nepal sees it as favouring India
Security provisions → Nepal informally expected to consult India on defence matters
Open border & economic privileges → seen as unequal in changing context
Desire for sovereign equality and modernisation of terms
2.4 Economic & Transit Issues
• Nepal is landlocked → heavy dependence on India for trade routes • 2015 blockade perception → major trust erosion • Need for diversification vs dependence
2.5 China Factor
• Increasing Chinese role in infrastructure and connectivity • Nepal balancing between India and China • Strategic concern for India
PM informed Lok Sabha that the West Asia conflict will have long-term impact, while outlining India’s preparedness, diplomatic stand, and energy-security measures.
1) India’s Stand on Conflict
Pro-peace position → dialogue and diplomacy as solution
Opposes attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure
Condemns disruption of international shipping routes like Strait of Hormuz
Advocates de-escalation and stability in region
2) Diplomatic Approach
Continuous engagement with West Asian leaders
Coordination with multiple countries to reduce tensions
Focus on ensuring safe passage of Indian vessels
Assistance and evacuation of Indians in conflict zones
The Union government is considering early delimitation based on 2011 Census to implement the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections instead of waiting for the post-2026 Census cycle.
1) Constitutional Design
Article 82 → Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after every Census
Article 170 → Readjustment of seats in State Assemblies
Article 327 → Parliament’s power to regulate elections including delimitation
2) Delimitation Commission
• Composition: Retired Supreme Court Judge (Chairperson) | Chief Election Commissioner or nominee | State Election Commissioners • Nature: Independent | Quasi-judicial | Not subject to executive control • Powers: Final orders | Force of law | Not challengeable in any court • Functions: Redraw constituencies | Allocate seats | Identify reserved seats for SCs/STs | Ensure population parity
• Process: Draft proposal → Public sittings → Objections considered → Final order notified
Commission redraws constituencies and allocates seats using Census data
Final orders have force of law and cannot be challenged in court
4) Delimitation History + Freeze on Seats
• Commissions: 1952 → 1951 Census | 1963 → 1961 Census | 1973 → 1971 Census | 2002 → 2001 Census with only boundary changes
• Constitutional Freeze: 42nd Amendment 1976 → Freeze till 2001 84th Amendment 2001 → Extended till 2026 87th Amendment 2003 → Boundary change allowed but no increase in seats
Result • Lok Sabha seats fixed at 543 despite population growth • Triggered North–South representation debate
5) Present Legal Position
• Next delimitation to occur after first Census post-2026 • Women’s Reservation Act implementation originally linked to this future exercise
6) Current Government Plan
• Use 2011 Census instead of waiting • Conduct early delimitation • Target implementation by 2029 Lok Sabha elections
7) Two Core Changes
7.1 Increase in Seats
• Lok Sabha seats likely to increase from 543 to around 816 • Reflects population growth • Likely retention of existing inter-state proportional share
7.2 Women’s Reservation
• Constitution 106th Amendment Act, 2023 provides 33 percent reservation • Applies to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies • Earlier delayed due to Census requirement • Now expected by 2029 after early delimitation • Around 273 seats likely reserved
8) Federal Concerns
Southern States → fear reduced share due to population control success
Northern States → likely gain due to higher population
Policy response → increase total seats while maintaining proportional balance
Delimitation and Women Reservation
Delimitation and Women Reservation
PYQ – 2024, Ans – D
PYQ – 2012, Ans – C
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