New Delhi, Aug 18: Government today said as per present indications the delimitation process may not be completed in all the states in time for the next general elections. Law Minister Arun Jaitley cited in Rajya Sabha the delay in final census figures for 2001.
He said the delimitation work is to be carried out on the basis of 2001 census figures and that the Delimitation Commission had informed the government that the final census figures was expected to be published only in October 2003. Jailtey told the House in a written reply that Delimitation Commission had informed the government that the Election Commission would also take about four to six months for collation of electoral rolls in terms of newly delimited constituencies, revision of lists of polling stations and appointment of electoral registration officers.
However, Jaitley said Delimitation Commission had stated that it would endeavour to complete the work as expeditiously as possible. On queries whether the government had taken a policy decision on the Election Commission directive regarding its announcement of assets, past criminal records and educational qualification of candidates, Jaitley said the judgement of the Supreme Court on this was final and that no other policy decision is to be taken. Bureau Report