Which constitutional body is responsible for the allocation of seats to States and Union Territories in the Lok Sabha?

• A. The Election Commission
• B. The Delimitation Commission
• C. The Finance Commission
• D. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes

Answer: (B)

The Delimitation Commission is the constitutional body responsible for the allocation of seats to States and Union Territories in the Lok Sabha. This commission's primary function is to define the boundaries of electoral constituencies based on the population and other relevant factors. The process of delimitation ensures that representation in the Lok Sabha is proportional to the population, thereby facilitating fair and equitable representation for all regions in the legislative assembly.

The Delimitation Commission is set up after a specific interval, typically after the completion of a census, to take into account demographic changes and ensure that the distribution of seats reflects the current population dynamics. It works independently to delineate the boundaries without political influence, promoting a transparent electoral system.

In contrast, the Election Commission oversees the conduct of elections in a free and fair manner but does not handle the allocation of seats. The Finance Commission's role is to assess the financial position of the state and recommend the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and the states, while the National Commission for Scheduled Castes focuses on issues related to the welfare and rights of Scheduled Castes in India. Thus, the Delimitation Commission is distinctly tasked with the function of seat allocation in the Lok Sabha.