Question : DELIMITATION COMMISSION

(a) whether the delimitation process for Maharashtra has begun;

(b) if so, the present status of the delimitation process;

(c) the reasons for delay; and

(d) the time by which it is likely to be completed?

MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI H.R. BHARDWAJ)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The delimitation process for the State of Maharashtra has begun. The first meeting with the Associate Members to discuss the allocation of seats to various districts including Scheduled Caste seats was fixed for the 5th of August, 2005 in the Secretariat of the Delimitation Commission. But the meeting has been adjourned due to floods and heavy rainfall in several parts of the State, particularly Mumbai. Under the scheme of the Delimitation Act, 2002, Associate Members are to be associated with the delimitation work from the very beginning. As a consequence there have to be more than one meeting with the Associate Members from each State to prepare a draft delimitation of Constituencies. Thereafter, the draft delimitation proposal is published in the Government of India Gazette and the State Gazette, etc. for suggestions and views from the public. Finally, the public meetings are to be held by the Commission in the State and the draft finalized.

(c): Due to dissolution of the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and consequent re-nomination of Associate Members after due constitution of the new Lok Sabha and the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, the delimitation work in respect of State of Maharashtra was delayed.

(d): The delimitation work relating to the State of Maharashtra is likely to be completed by March, 2006.