Consider the following statements regarding the Delimitation Exercise in Assam: 1. Census Data of 2011 would be used for the delimitation process similar to Jammu and Kashmir exercise. 2. Exercise would be carried out as per Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. 3. The entire guidelines and methodology for the delimitation process are designed and finalised by the Parliament. 4. Election Commission of India can prevent the state government from forming new districts during the exercise. Which of the above statements are correct?

The correct answer is 2 and 4 only In News The Election Commission said it would begin the delimitation exercise of Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam. Key Points Delimitation Exercise in Assam: Census figures of 2001 would be used for the delimitation process. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar have directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam to take up the matter with the State government to issue a complete ban on the creation of new administrative units from January 1, 2023. Hence statement 4 is correct. The term of the current Assam Legislative Assembly will end on May 20, 2026. The State has 14 Lok Sabha, 126 Assembly and 7 Rajya Sabha seats. The commission added that the delimitation was being carried out following a request from the Ministry of Law and Justice. The process would be carried out as per Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. Hence statement 2 is correct. As mandated under Article 170 of the Constitution, Census figures of 2001 shall be used for the readjustment of parliamentary and Assembly constituencies in the State. Reservation of seats for the SC and ST will be provided as per Articles 330 and 332 of the Constitution of India. The entire guidelines and methodology for the delimitation process would be designed and finalised by the Election Commission itself. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. Once a draft proposal for the delimitation of constituencies is finalised by the commission, it will be published in the Central and State gazettes for inviting suggestions or objections from the general public. The last delimitation of constituencies in Assam was done based on Census figures of 1971 by the then Delimitation Commission in 1976. The delimitation process in the four north-eastern States of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh had been deferred in 2008 due to security issues.