NEICFD calls for enhanced NE representation in Parliament
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 03 2026: The North East India Citizens Forum, Delhi (NEICFD) has urged the Chief Ministers of all the eight North Eastern States to push for increasing the region's representation in the Parliament, especially in view of the forthcoming delimitation exercise.

The reason, it said, is to safeguard the region's long-term political interests.

Parliamentary representation should not be determined solely by population.

The unique circumstances of NE India including its strategic international borders, difficult terrain, tribal and indigenous communities, cultural and linguistic diversity, developmental disparities and Constitutional protections must also be taken into account.

A stronger Parliamentary voice is essential for National integration, federal balance, National security and inclusive democracy, the NEICFD said in a statement.

The Governments of the NE States should convene Special sessions of their respective Assemblies to deliberate on the implications of delimitation and adopt a unanimous resolution seeking Constitutional safeguards for enhanced and equitable representation in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, it said.

Every North Eastern State except Assam should be guaranteed a minimum of five to seven Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, irrespective of population, recognizing the region's strategic importance, geographical realities, Constitutional status and contribution to India's unity and security, said the forum.

Every NE State except Assam should be guaranteed a minimum of two to three Members in the Rajya Sabha, ensuring a more equitable voice for smaller States and strengthening the federal character of the Constitution, it added.

Assam should have 21 Members in the Lok Sabha, representing a 50% increase over its existing 14 seats (14 + 7 = 21) and 11 Members in the Rajya Sabha (7 + 4 = 11), it said.

The NE presently has only 25 Members in the Lok Sabha.

Even if all eight States receive an increase of around 50 per cent, the region would gain only about 12-13 additional Members, taking its combined strength to approximately 37-38 Members.

By comparison, under the proposed formula, Uttar Pradesh alone could have 120 Members, while the entire North East would have only 37-38 Members.

Such disparity would leave the region with a comparatively weak voice in the Lok Sabha, particularly in relation to the overall expansion of the House, the NEICFD asserted.

The elected representatives of all eight North Eastern States must therefore rise above party affiliations and adopt a common Constitutional position before the delimitation process reaches its final stage, it added.

Comment