Question : PUPULATION OF SC ST

(a) whether the population of SCs/STs in Chhattisgarh is stated to have decreased as per census 2001, as compared to that depicted in the census of 1991;

(b) if so, the basis and the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is likely to conduct census for a second time;

(d) if so, the time by which it is likely to be conducted;

(e) whether two Lok Sabha seats and five Legislative Assembly seats reserved for SCs/STs have been declared as general category seats;

(f) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(g) steps proposed to be taken to dereserve these seats?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MANIKRAO HODLYA GAVIT)

(a) & (b): No, Sir. The total population of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Chhattisgarh has in fact increased from 2,148,358 in 1991 to 2,418,722 in 2001. The population of Scheduled Tribes (STs) has increased from 5,717,124 in 1991 to 6,616,596 in 2001 in the State.

(c) & (d): Do not arise.

(e) to (g): The State of Chhattisgarh has been carved out from the undivided State of Madhya Pradesh which had a total of 75 seats reserved for STs in the Legislative Assembly. After the reorganization of States, 41 of these ST seats were included in the territory of Madhya Pradesh and 34 in Chhattisgarh. In the present delimitation exercise, which is being done based on population figures of Census 2001, the number of SCs/STs seats are to be determined in proportion to their population in the State. As per the draft notification issued by the Delimitation Commission, Chhattisgarh will have a reduction of 5 ST seats in the Legislative Assembly. There is no change proposed in respect of seats reserved for SCs.

L.S.U.S.Q.NO.3652 FOR 16.5.2006

In the Lok Sabha, for the same reason, there is a proposed reduction of one SC seat and one ST seat in the State of Chhattisgarh. The Delimitation Commission has reportedly received representations against the proposed reduction of one ST seat. The Commission would be deliberating on this with the Associate Members and the State Election Commissioner of Chhattisgarh before the final decision is notified in this regard.