Editor
Renaming Boundaries: 19 Assembly Constituencies and 1 Parliamentary Constituency Get New Identities
GUWAHATI, Assam: In a significant stride towards the delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies in Assam, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a crucial step by releasing the final order on August 11. This momentous development comes after a meticulous evaluation of over 1200 representations, culminating in the refinement of the proposed plan.
The comprehensive review conducted by the Commission has led to the introduction of revised names for 19 Assembly Constituencies and 1 Parliamentary Constituency. The modifications are as follows:
Revised Assembly Constituency Names:
Mankachar: Revised to BirsingJarua
South Salmara: Revised to Mankachar
Manikpur: Revised to Srijangram
Bhowanipur: Revised to Bhowanipur – Sorbhog
Rupshi: Revised to Pakabetbari
Boko (ST): Revised to Boko-Chaygaon (ST)
Hajo (SC): Revised to Hajo-Sualkuchi (SC)
Gobardhana: Revised to Manas
Batadraba: Revised to Dhing
Nagaon: Revised to Nagaon-Batadraba
Sootea: Revised to Nadaur
Chabua: Revised to Chabua-Lahowal
Moran: Revised to Khowang
Dima Hasao (ST): Revised to Haflong (ST)
Algapur: Revised to Algapur – Katlicherra
Badarpur: Revised to Karimganj North
North Karimganj: Revised to Karimganj South
South Karimganj: Revised to Patharkandi
Ratabari (SC): Revised to Ram Krishna Nagar
Revised Parliamentary Constituency Name:
Darrang: Revised to Darrang-Udalguri
This modification of names was a result of the extensive consultative exercise spanning three days of public hearings in Guwahati in July 2023. The exercise provided a vital platform for diverse stakeholders to voice their opinions and suggestions on the draft proposal. The Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel, considered the differing perspectives presented during the hearings.
Carefully analyzing suggestions and objections put forth by the public, political parties, and organizations, the Commission embraced around 45% of the total 1222 inputs into the final proposal. This responsive approach to constructive feedback underscores the Commission's commitment to crafting a comprehensive and inclusive plan.
The culmination of this process is a final order grounded in the 2001 Census data, in accordance with the mandates of Articles 170 and 82 of the Constitution. The Legislative Assembly retains a total of 126 seats, while Assam's allocation of seats in the House of People remains at 14.
Noteworthy in the revised proposal is the allocation of 19 Assembly constituencies and 2 Parliamentary constituencies for Scheduled Tribes, along with 9 Assembly constituencies and 1 Parliamentary constituency for Scheduled Castes, in adherence to the provisions of Article 330 and 332 of the Constitution.
Significant highlights of the delimitation order encompass:
1. Administrative Units: The foundation for delimitation remains the lowest administrative unit, ensuring continuity in rural villages and urban wards across the state.
2. Enhanced Representation: Scheduled Caste (SC) assembly seats increase from 8 to 9, and Scheduled Tribe (ST) assembly seats rise from 16 to 19.
3. Name Revisions: In response to representations, the Commission revises the names of 19 Assembly constituencies and 1 Parliamentary constituency.
4. Reservation Continuity: Diphu and Kokrajhar Parliamentary seats remain reserved for ST, while the Lakhimpur Parliamentary seat remains unreserved.
5. Paired Names: The final order introduces paired names for specific constituencies based on public demand, including Darrang-Udalgiri, Hajo-Sualkuchi, Boko-Chaygaon, Nagaon-Batadraba, among others.
The unveiling of the final delimitation order marks a significant milestone in Assam's democratic journey. It stands as a testament to the ECI's commitment to transparency, public engagement, and equitable representation. This meticulous process of redrawing boundaries reflects the evolving needs and aspirations of Assam's citizenry, reinforcing the essence of a robust democratic process.