Understanding Lok Sabha Reserved Seats

The question asks about the number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the Lok Sabha according to the order issued by the Delimitation Commission in 2008. The Delimitation Commission is a high-power body responsible for redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies in India to ensure that each seat represents roughly the same population and that reserved seats for SCs and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are allocated appropriately based on their population distribution.

Delimitation Commission and Reserved Constituencies

Article 330 of the Constitution of India provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha. The number of seats to be reserved in any state or Union Territory is determined based on the proportion of the population of SCs or STs in that state or Union Territory to the total population of that state or Union Territory.

The Delimitation Commission, through its orders, formalizes these reservations after considering the latest census data and population changes. The last major delimitation exercise was completed in 2008, based on the 2001 census data, although the order came into effect later.

Seats Reserved for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha (as per 2008 Delimitation Order)

As per the order issued by the Delimitation Commission in 2008, the total number of seats reserved in the Lok Sabha are as follows:

• Seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs): 84
• Seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs): 47

The total number of reserved seats is the sum of reserved seats for SCs and STs.

Analyzing the Options

The question specifically asks for the number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes in the Lok Sabha as per the 2008 Delimitation Commission order. Based on the Delimitation Commission's order:

• Option 1: 84 - This number matches the seats reserved for Scheduled Castes.
• Option 2: 47 - This number matches the seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
• Option 3: 56 - This number is incorrect.
• Option 4: 69 - This number is incorrect.

Therefore, the correct number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes is 84.

Conclusion

The Delimitation Commission's order in 2008 finalized the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha based on the 2001 census. According to this order, 84 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes.

Revision Table: Lok Sabha Seat Reservation Facts

Additional Information: Delimitation and Representation

Delimitation is the process of fixing boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or state with a legislative body. This process is carried out by a Delimitation Commission. The main objective is to redraw boundaries so that the population of all constituencies in a state, as far as practicable, is the same.

Key aspects of Delimitation:

• The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India.
• Its orders have the force of law and cannot be challenged in any court.
• The Constitution mandates that reserved seats should be rotated to different constituencies in subsequent delimitation exercises where possible, though specific constituencies are reserved for the duration decided by the commission.
• The number of Lok Sabha seats allocated to each state was fixed based on the 1971 census population until the first delimitation exercise after 2026, as per the 84th Amendment Act, 2001. However, the reservation of seats for SCs and STs within a state's allocated seats is adjusted based on the latest available census data (2001 data for the 2008 order).

The reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies aims to ensure adequate representation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, enabling them to participate effectively in the democratic process.