Kerala to form delimitation commission after Onam, announces Revenue Minister
Kerala Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar has announced that a delimitation commission will be constituted to study the reorganisation of districts in the state. Speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Anilkumar said that steps to form the commission would begin right after the Onam festival. The commission’s report would determine whether any new districts are created, he added.
The announcement comes amid a persistent demand for a new district with Muvattupuzha as its headquarters. This demand has been raised for decades, and it recently gained momentum when Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan brought it up before Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who responded favourably.
Muvattupuzha, located in the eastern part of the Ernakulam district, is often cited as a convenient central location for a new district. Proponents have argued that creating a district with Muvattupuzha as its headquarters would improve administrative efficiency and ensure better delivery of public services to the surrounding areas.
Delimitation is a process used to redraw the boundaries of administrative and electoral divisions in order to reflect changes in population and ensure equitable governance. In India, such exercises are carried out periodically, but they are subject to legal and procedural requirements.
Mr. Anilkumar also addressed the restrictions imposed by the ongoing Census exercise, which is expected to continue until 2027. According to the Union government’s instructions, changes to the boundaries of villages, taluks, and districts are not permitted during this period. However, the Minister clarified that these restrictions do not hinder the appointment of a delimitation commission, as the commission’s task is to study and recommend, not to implement.
Turning to Malappuram, the Minister said the district should receive maximum consideration in the delimitation exercise due to its large size and population. With 16 Assembly segments, Malappuram is a deserving candidate for reorganisation, he asserted. Mr. Anilkumar, who represents the Wandoor constituency and hails from Malappuram, said he agreed with the demand both in his capacity as Revenue Minister and as a native of the district.
He also dismissed allegations that Malappuram has been discriminated against in the past. “There is no reason at present to allege such discrimination. Justice will be ensured when delimitation is done,” he said.
Kerala currently has 14 districts, and the last significant reorganisation of districts occurred several decades ago. Over time, various regions have sought new districts based on geographic, demographic, and administrative factors. The proposed commission is expected to examine such demands systematically, taking into account the legal framework and the interests of all stakeholders.
The Minister’s statement signals the state government’s intent to move forward on district reorganisation despite the limitations imposed by the census process. By constituting a commission now, the government can complete the necessary studies and consultations in advance, so that implementation can proceed once the census-related restrictions are lifted.
The delimitation exercise is expected to be a lengthy process, involving detailed surveys, population data analysis, and consultations with political parties and the public. The government has not yet announced the composition of the commission or its terms of reference.
