In the House of the People (Lok Sabha), how many parliamentary seats are allocated to the State of Goa?

Introduction / Context:

The Lok Sabha, or House of the People, is composed of members directly elected from territorial constituencies in the States and Union Territories. The number of seats allotted to each State is based on its population, subject to constitutional provisions and periodic delimitation. Questions about how many Lok Sabha constituencies a particular State has are common in competitive exams. This question focuses on the small coastal State of Goa.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question concerns allocation of Lok Sabha seats to Goa.
• The options provide four possible numbers: 2, 13, 20, and 25.
• Goa is one of the smallest States in terms of area and population.
• We assume current standard allocation as per existing delimitation.

Concept / Approach:

Goa, because of its small population, has a relatively small representation in the Lok Sabha. The State is divided into two parliamentary constituencies: North Goa and South Goa. Therefore, Goa has 2 seats in the Lok Sabha. Higher numbers such as 13, 20, or 25 correspond to larger States with significantly higher populations and more constituencies.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

You can verify by comparing Goa to similarly small States and Union Territories. It would be unreasonable for a small State like Goa to have as many as 13, 20, or 25 constituencies, which are numbers typical of larger States like Punjab, Kerala, or Gujarat. Official lists of parliamentary constituencies and Election Commission data confirm that Goa has exactly two Lok Sabha seats. This cross check supports the answer 2.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option B, 13, is the number of Lok Sabha seats for some medium sized States such as Punjab, not for Goa. Option C, 20, again matches larger States but not this small coastal State. Option D, 25, likewise belongs to much larger States with bigger populations. These numbers are inconsistent with Goa's small geographical and demographic profile.

Common Pitfalls:

Examinees sometimes mix up the number of seats for different States, especially when multiple States have similar sounding sizes or when they rely on guesswork based on memory. A mistake can also arise from confusing assembly constituencies with parliamentary constituencies. To avoid errors, remember that Goa has 40 seats in its Legislative Assembly but only 2 seats in the Lok Sabha.

Final Answer:

The State of Goa is allocated 2 seats in the Lok Sabha.