What is the significance of the proviso added to clause (2) of Article 68?
The proviso added to clause (2) of Article 68 has significant implications. It provides that, until the relevant figures for the first census taken after the year 2026 have been published, the reference to "the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published" shall be construed as a reference to the 1971 census for the purposes of sub-clause (a) of clause (2) and the proviso to that clause. Additionally, it states that, for the purposes of sub-clause (b) of clause (2), the reference shall be construed as a reference to the 2001 census. This means that the population figures used for allocating seats in the House of the People will continue to be based on the 1971 and 2001 censuses until new data is available after the year 2026.