The delimitation of Jammu Kashmir will be completed by March 5 next year, according to a news report by News 18. Quoting Highly placed sources, the report said that this time the commission will not miss its deadline.
There would be four basic principles for delimitation of constituencies which include physical location, existing boundaries of administrative units, communication and public convenience.
During the visit to Jammu Kashmir, the Delimitation Commission will meet representatives of political parties, public representatives and officials of 20 districts of the region. The commission will first visit Srinagar and then Jammu.
The Commission, headed by Justice (Retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sushil Chandra, may also hold separate meetings with civil society groups and other such organisations. However, these groups and organizations will have to take prior permission and time for this through their respective Deputy Commissioners (DCs).
According to the provisions of the Jammu Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, the number of assembly seats in the union territory will increase to 114 from 107. However, practically there will be 90 seats in the UT as 24 seats are in Pakistan-administration Kashmir. The census conducted in the state in the year 2011 will be the basis of delimitation.
The commission has five associate members who are members of parliament. However, three National Conference members boycotted the commission and two BJP members attended the commission’s first meeting with associate members earlier this year.
Delimitation Commission shall pay a four-day visit to Jammu Kashmir from 6-9 July and will communicate with the leaders of political parties for directly gathering information under the process of creating new constituencies and authorities.