The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Indian Constitution adopts a system of territorial representation for the election of members to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Under this system, the country or state is divided into specific geographical areas known as electoral constituencies.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: India follows an area-based system of representation. For the purpose of elections, the entire country is divided into specific geographical units called electoral constituencies. Voters residing within a specific area elect one representative for that constituency.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: For Lok Sabha elections, the country is currently divided into 543 constituencies, not 600. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is fixed at 550 (530 from States and 20 from Union Territories), but the actual number of seats filled by direct election is currently 543.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Constitution, under Article 81, mandates uniformity of representation. It requires that:
- The number of seats allotted to each State is such that the ratio between that number and the population of the State is, so far as practicable, the same for all States.
- Each State is divided into territorial constituencies in such a manner that the ratio between the population of each constituency and the number of seats allotted to it is, so far as practicable, the same throughout the State.
Key Takeaway:
The Indian electoral system is based on single-member territorial constituencies, where the division is done to ensure that the ratio of population to the number of seats remains uniform throughout the state and country (subject to delimitation freezes).