Non-population criteria always part of delimitation, say officials

On criticism of J&K proposal, Delimitation Commission officials cite Uttarakhand.

A provision in delimitation acts from 1952 onward, which says other than population, factors like physical features, boundaries of administrative units, communication facilities and public convenience, should be taken into account while drawing constituency boundaries, has led to the Opposition’s concerns over the ongoing .

While officials of the Delimitation Commission say they have followed the rule in , the National Conference (NC) has objected to the proposal, terming it unacceptable. The proposed increase in seats would tilt the balance of political power towards Jammu and away from the Kashmir Valley.

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