Same sex marriage & popu control
Free Thinker *
If we permit and encourage same-sex marriage the problem of over-population may be resolved to some extent. We have already allowed the same gender to have consensual sex (Sec.377 diluted) and live together. Once such things are permitted, the next logical journey is marriage; though it sounds awkward in a conservative society like ours, it is alright, after all, it is a new global trend and we can’t lag behind.
Now the matter is in the Apex Court so, we can’t talk much about it – whether such marriages should be treated as sacrosanct or contract or special or simple understanding - let the onus probandi be with the couple. Milords, let our lawmakers also do something.
If we support and insist on same-sex marriage within a few decades our problem of overpopulation will be subsided. In addition, we may also encourage single living (no reproduction) by giving incentives like free rice, free water, free-ride (I mean bus /train, etc.). Then by the time we celebrate our centenary of Independence in 2047, we will certainly become a 10 trillion dollar economy easily; 5 trillion is nothing.
Poverty is largely linked with our demographic oversize. Human resources are required but excess manpower is detrimental to the economy. AIs and robots will take over almost everything in the near future and they will certainly try to control the human population. Their population control method would be more drastic and effective.
Constitutionally the boundaries of the constituencies are supposed to be redrawn after every census, which is also a population-related matter. However, after the amendments in 1976 and 2001 delimitation has been made an exercise to be undertaken every 25 years (i.e. for an increase in the number of constituencies on the basis of population).
At present the constitutional or legal position is that we must redraw the boundaries of the existing constituencies but the number of constituencies should remain constant till 2026. It is now simply a process of rearranging the boundaries of State Assembly and Lok Sabha seats on the basis of the increased population.
It is to ensure a somewhat equal number of voters in each constituency. The area of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies is required to be adjusted to ensure that each constituency has approximately the same size of population.
Few states were exempted from the delimitation process in 2002-2008 due to unavoidable circumstances like flawed census, security issues, etc., the exempted states were Manipur, J&K, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
In 2020 the Government of India set up a Delimitation Commission headed by Justice Desai for the left out States. The delimitation process in the Union Territory of J&K is completed, and the delimitation process in Assam is going on now. The delimitation process has to start in the remaining States including Manipur.
The process of delimitation in Manipur is to take place sooner or later. Groundwork might have started. Without bias toward any ethnic group, our delimitation may be conducted on the basis of a dependable census. Judiciary too took cognizance of the discrepancies in earlier census reports of the State. Then it will be prudent on our part to conduct our delimitation based on the 2021 census (which is likely to be more reliable).
We can’t change the number of seats till 2026. However, the number of reserved constituencies may be increased within the existing number of seats, if necessary. It all depends on the demographic position and amicable arrangement.
As per the existing law, the population is going to be the main criterion for redrawing the boundary of the constituencies. Topography, administrative convenience, security, ethnic composition, etc., are also taken into consideration but the demographic criterion is of prime importance. While doing the readjustment or rearrangement we may maintain ethnic equilibrium for social and political tranquillity in the State.
Two petitions directly or indirectly linked with population, are still pending in the Apex Court pertaining to the delimitation process of Manipur. Till the freeze on the increase in the number of Parliamentary & Legislative constituencies is lifted in 2026, we may request the competent authorities (Government or Judiciary) to allow us to maintain the status quo, if it is constitutionally and legally sustainable.
The latest census must be based on biometrics and sexual identity should be registered properly including the third gender. Gender must be registered accordingly - be a male or female or third gender. Despite clear indications in the electoral roll, polling officers at times are at sea to see the elector – as they are not allowed to physically verify the voter - she or he or otherwise? Gender is still an enigmatic issue in the polling booths.
On top of it, regarding gender, Milord says, it is not about genitals only. Lawmakers must come forward and expose. Less population means less number of constituencies - that means less expenditure. It will result in good economics for the country.
According to the latest UN estimation, India’s population is now 142.86 crore and China’s present population is only 142.57 crore. India has 2.9 million people more than China. Wow!
Same-sex or no-sex, let us stop reproduction, for the time being, we are now at the top of the global demographic index. The only sadistic pleasure is that we have beaten China.
* Free Thinker wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on May 01 2023 .
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