Political and economic significance of population size in the context of India's federal democracy
Political significance
Population size is a major factor in determining the number of seats that a state or union territory gets in the Lok Sabha.
This is because the Lok Sabha is based on proportional representation.
Population size also gives states and union territories more power in the decision-making process of the Indian government.
Political and economic significance of population size in the context of India's federal democracy
Political significance
Population size also gives people in large states and union territories more voting power.
This is because they have more representatives in the Lok Sabha, and they also have more say in the election of the President of India.
Economic significance
India's large population also provides a large workforce.
India's large population is also a major consumer of goods and services.
This drives economic growth, as it creates demand for goods and services.
Differences between southern and northern states
The southern states of India are generally smaller in size than the northern states.
The southern states of India are also generally more densely populated than the northern states.
The population growth rate in the southern states of India is generally lower than the population growth rate in the northern states.
The southern states of India have a generally older age structure than the northern states.
The gender ratio in the southern states of India is generally more favorable to women than the gender ratio in the northern states.
The literacy rate in the southern states of India is generally higher than the literacy rate in the northern states.
Potential impact on states' political and economic influence
Population of a State is a measure of demand for public expenditure.
The per capita income of a State is considered as a proxy for its ability to raise its own revenue.
The higher the per capita income of a State, the lower its share in the Union tax revenue.
Lower per capita income of a State may be due to higher population for a given Gross State Domestic Product.
Therefore, the higher the current population of a State, the higher its share in the Union tax revenue.
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